#zebra pass

Beyond a circle of big cats, claws extended and mouths open, a dazzle of wide-eyed zebras sprint across the grass in this dramatic nature scene by New York painter Kyle Staver. Now on view at Zurcher Gallery, Staver’s paintings continue to upend traditional European art historical iconography (Susanna’s pet tigers keep her safe from molesting Elders, for example). Edward Hick’s folk art, harmony-between-creatures ideal ‘Peaceable Kingdom’ comes to mind with ‘Zebra Pass,’ but differs from that arcadia thanks to the menace of waiting predators. (On view on the Lower East Side through July 24th). Kyle Staver, Zebra Pass, oil on canvas, 70 x 52 inches, 2019.