Jill McLennan: harm_less @ Mercury 20 Gallery

Jill McLennan’s work gives voice to the harmless, reflecting on the federal government’s decision to rescind the definition of harm (2026) as it applies to the protection of animals and their habitats, listed under the Endangered Species Act (1975). In her art, she depicts animals adapting, inventing new ways to thrive amidst human impact. Using sumi ink, a brush, and mulberry paper, she paints mammals, birds, amphibians, plants, trees, and rivers. Then, tearing the paper, she applies these images to wood panels. Adding watercolor and handmade paper, she creates a transformation from reality to wonder. McLennan states, “The animals are here alongside us, they have always been here, and it is our duty to ensure that they remain, that their habitat is here on earth for generations to come. May my art be a message to harm less, a cry to the present and a hope for the future.”