Minnesota Rogue Taxidermy

Much like artists Damien Hirst and Joel Peter Witkin, the creators and members of Minnesota Association of Rogue Taxidermists use unlikely material to craft their pieces-- namely, dead animals. A recent article describing the organization notes that these "'rogue taxidermists' find something awe-inspiring about hunting for mangled roadkill or severed fish pieces in restaurant garbage bags and transforming them into works of art that, they say, give "new life" to dead animals. With over 30 members and an extensive gallery, the ranks of the Minnesota Rogue Taxidermists have swelled considerably. But what distinguishes the "rogue" taxidermists from the normal ones? A recent press article reports that in contrast with traditional taxidermy, "many rogue taxidermists craft new creatures that, in some cases, appear to be in imminent peril. One Web site, put together by Scott Bibus, shows chickens, deer and squirrels with their mouths and eyes pulled wide open, as though they’re in shock. What appears to be blood covers – or drips from – their mouths." The Minnesota Association of Rogue Taxidermists also blurs the line between art and consumerism. On their main site, you can look at their gory works on full display, and with the click of a mouse, you can purchase their taxidermied objects. ( If you click on "Members" and then click on Sarina J. Brewer, you can check out more sculptures like the one featured in the picture)