Celebrating the Artistry of Tammy Renée Brackett: A Biennial Triumph

The Tri-County Arts Council is proud to present "Buck Up Buttercup," an exhibition featuring the work of Tammy Renée Brackett, the 2023 Southern Tier Biennial Best in Show winner. This captivating showcase, housed in the Peg Bothner Gallery at 110 W. State St., invites visitors to explore the intersection of traditional craft techniques and the male-dominated deer hunting culture that surrounds the artist in Western New York.

Unveiling the Essence of Life and Death through Deer Hides

Embracing the Dichotomy of Presence and Absence

Tammy Renée Brackett, a self-described scavenger, works with "remnants of what is left behind," seamlessly blending the traditional craft techniques of her late mother and grandmothers with a profound exploration of gender and identity. Her work confronts the male-dominated deer hunting culture, challenging traditional notions and inviting viewers to consider the complexities of human-animal relationships.Brackett's use of deer hides, salvaged from both hunted and roadkill deer, offers a unique perspective on the cycle of life and death. The artist describes the profound experience of holding a fresh deer hide, the weight of it conveying the "simultaneous presence and absence of the live animal." This intimate connection with the animal's essence is a driving force behind Brackett's artistic expression, as she seeks to honor the deer's legacy and the human impact on the natural world.

Tanning Traditions and Ecological Awareness

As the deer hide transforms into leather, Brackett's work explores the shifting dynamic between the animal's presence and the human presence that emerges. She highlights the historical significance of the white-tailed deer, a species once threatened by extinction due to the overharvesting of their hides. By incorporating hides from both hunted and roadkill deer, Brackett's work not only pays tribute to the animal's legacy but also raises awareness about the delicate balance between human activities and ecological preservation.Brackett's artistic process involves both self-tanned hides and those tanned by Indigenous peoples in Canada, further emphasizing the diverse cultural and historical connections woven into her work. This multifaceted approach allows Brackett to create a powerful dialogue between the past, present, and future, inviting viewers to contemplate their own relationship with the natural world and the impact of human actions.

Challenging Gender Norms and Embracing Duality

Brackett's artistic practice is not merely a technical exploration; it is a profound statement on gender and identity. By working with an animal's skin, traditionally associated with male-dominated hunting culture, Brackett confronts and challenges the preconceived notions of gender roles and societal expectations. Her work serves as a canvas for exploring the complexities of identity, where contrasts, contradictions, and idioms converge to create a thought-provoking and transformative experience for the viewer.Through her unique blend of traditional craft techniques and conceptual exploration, Brackett's "Buck Up Buttercup" exhibition invites the audience to engage with the duality of life and death, the interplay of gender and identity, and the profound connection between humans and the natural world. This captivating showcase is a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries, spark dialogue, and inspire a deeper understanding of the human experience.

The Southern Tier Biennial: A Celebration of Regional Artistic Talent

The "Buck Up Buttercup" exhibition is part of the Southern Tier Biennial, a prestigious regional art competition that showcases the talents of visual artists from the nine counties of the Southern Tier region. This biennial event, held every other year, attracts a diverse array of submissions, with only a select few pieces chosen for the final survey show.The 2023 edition of the Southern Tier Biennial was juried by a panel of esteemed art professionals, including Andrea Alvarez, PhD, an associate curator at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum; Judy Barie, a fine artist and curator; and Tullis Johnson, curator and manager of exhibitions and collections at the Burchfield Penney Art Center of Buffalo. Their expertise and diverse perspectives have resulted in a dynamic and thought-provoking exhibition that celebrates the artistic talent and creativity of the region.The Southern Tier Biennial serves as a platform for artists to engage in the professional art competition process, providing them with the opportunity to be recognized and rewarded for their exceptional work. This initiative, produced by the Tri-County Arts Council, the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, and made possible by an endowment from the estate of F. Donald Kenney, is a testament to the region's commitment to fostering and supporting the arts.The "Buck Up Buttercup" exhibition, featuring Tammy Renée Brackett's captivating work, is a must-see event for art enthusiasts and those interested in exploring the intersection of traditional craft, gender, and environmental awareness. The public is invited to attend the opening reception on Saturday, where they can engage with the artist and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of the Southern Tier's artistic landscape.