Frist Center: Fairy Tales, Monsters, and the Genetic Imagination

Fairy Tales, Monsters, and the Genetic Imagination is an exhibition of works by contemporary artists who invent humanlike, animal, or hybrid creatures to symbolize life's mysteries, desires, and fears. Finding inspiration in sources ranging from Aesop's Fables to the products of genetic experimentation, the artists in the exhibition examine interactions between nature and humanity in the context of oral and written lore, psychology, ethics, and visions of the future in both science and science fiction. The exhibition will include approximately 60 contemporary paintings, photographs, sculptures, and video works. Please note: Works in this exhibition address mature themes not suitable for all audiences.

This exhibition is organized by the Frist Center for the Visual Arts and curated by Frist Center Chief Curator Mark Scala.

The exhibition traveled to Winnipeg Art Gallery, Manitoba, Canada in June–Sept. of 2012, and to the Glenbow Art Museum, Calgary, Alberta, Canada until Jan. 2, 2013.

The exhibition is accompanied by a catalog published by Vanderbilt University Press.