Keeling Group

This Saturday, February 15th, is the grand opening of Moving Skin, a new show from Minneapolis artist Courtney Reints. We chatted with Courtney about the show, her work, and seeing a different side of taxidermy... Moving Skin February 15 - March 7, 2014 at CO Exhibitions Opening reception: February 15, 7-10pm (free, all ages) coexhibitions.com (612) 379-4151 Please introduce yourself to our corner of the internet. I am Courtney Reints, an emerging artist & photographer based in Minneapolis. I am a native Minnesotan, and my Midwestern roots have influenced my most recent work inspired by taxidermy. I am a graduate of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and recipient of a 2013 Artist Initiative grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. How did you become fascinated with photographing taxidermy? I started photographing taxidermy as a project prompted by the idea of the expressive body. It intrigued me to examine and photograph real still lifes, already frozen in their expressions. Since then, I have become more and more interested in ideas revolving around taxidermy, trophies and collections. 3) What are your favorite pieces of photography gear? I travel light, only the essentials. Right now, my Nikon D800 and tripod are my gear. Everything else seems to get in my way. What's the strangest taxidermic creature you've encountered? It might not be the strangest, but one of the grandest trophies I have come across was a giraffe bust. The neck hung a few inches off the floor, while the head almost touched the ceiling in one taxidermy shop. The Minnesota Association of Rogue Taxidermists has some pretty crazy creatures, but I have not gotten the chance to photograph them yet. Have you been to see the over-the-top taxidermy display at the Lowry Barber Shop? I went to the Lowry Avenue Barber Shop a few weeks ago! It was my second to last shoot working up to the exhibition. I had been shown a video that aired on the news last year and had to check it out. It is completely covered in taxidermy and knik knacks, lots of great character. What can Twin Cities art lovers expect to take away from your Moving Skin exhibit? I hope that viewers may take away a fresh look at an art form that is usually known for being gruesome, raw and kind of creepy. I hope they too can be fascinated by nature and how we continuously experience a dynamic between sadness and beauty. Favorite places to eat in Minneapolis? Zakia Deli, conveniently located down the street from CO Exhibitions. I constantly crave their falafal, and am a regular lunch goer. Also, anywhere with good breakfast, a new found favorite for me is Band Box Diner.