I use familiar visual signs to explore materials, process and identity issues.

This is a continuation of my series based on my own documentary photographs of prize- winning rabbits from the Virginia State Fair. As usual, in the transition from photographs to drawings, the rabbits have been freed of their cages, and the gesture of the hand-drawn mark takes precedence over photographic representation. “Who doesn’t like a rabbit?” I have asked, knowing full well that there are those who find these images too safe and sweet.

Once again, I’ve incorporated French words and phrases into the work, this time using Google translator to translate descriptions of rabbit behavior and symbolism into French, a language I neither speak nor understand.

- Michael A. Pierce, December 2012

Quirk Gallery, Richmond, VA