Ceramic animals, awesome in size and delicate in their detailed features, will fill the Brandt Gallery. Alanna DeRocchi builds her massive beasts from coils of clay, sculpting the surface as the animal grows. Through the raw wood constructed displays that the animals rest upon to the unfinished painted surfaces of the animals, DeRocchi references taxonomical research and the practice of recreating the exotic in natural history studies. Putting a twist on zoological dioramas of institutions like the Field Museum in Chicago, she explores the wonder and obsession we have with understanding our fellow species.

Originally from Petersburg, Illinois, Alanna DeRocchi received her BFA from Western Illinois University in Macomb. She continued studying at California State University, Long Beach, ultimately earning her MFA at the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University.

Animal Presence is generously sponsored by Peter and Susan Hood.