“People are animals, too. Sometimes we forget this,” says Tobias Brill, the artist behind the highly original drawings on display in the exhibition “Damn Animals” at the East Hawaii Cultural Center.
The exhibit is on display through Feb. 26.
“We still have aspects of the lizard brains of our ancestors … human animals can be instinctual, cruel and petty. We want to feel good,” said the Big Island artist, who has been an art lecturer at the University of Hawaii and Hawaii Community College in Hilo.
This assessment of the human condition is on full display in his complex and sometimes disturbing imagery, which evokes the densely bizarre art of Hieronymus Bosch. This visual feast for the adult viewer is not suitable for children.
Brill has been exhibiting in Hilo, Honolulu and venues in California and New York since 1993. His limited-edition book, “Damn Animals” (a coloring book for adults), will be available for purchase at the EHCC gallery during his exhibition.
For those who want to meet the artist, Brill will be in residence at the gallery from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Feb. 20.
EHCC is adhering to all county and state regulations to promote safety during the coronavirus pandemic. Visitors are required to wear face masks and maintain social distancing. A maximum of 10 visitors will be permitted in the gallery at one time and hand sanitizer will be available for all patrons.
For more information, visit EHCC online at ehcc.org, call 961-5711 or visit the gallery at 141 Kalakaua St. in Hilo. Current hours are from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.