Wendy Red Star's 'Tokens, Gold & Glory' @ Hap Gallery

Gold. This precious metal has so much meaning and symbolism in our culture. Notions of wealth, greed and success come to mind at the very mention of it. Gold can even come across as rather tacky, picture gold lame jumpsuits or Donald Trump's New York apartment for example. Portland based artist Wendy Red Star tackles our cultural viewpoints of affluence fueled by capitalism in her recent exhibit at Hap Gallery entitled Tokens, Gold and Glory.  Headless, deer decoys are adorned with streamers that pour out of them like blood, but because everything is gold, the gore and guts are palatable - perhaps even coveted. The gallery floor laid with astroturf is another commentary on our growing detachment from nature. And like gold, obtaining a green lawn represents a certain social status and a piece of the 'American Dream'. 

Wendy Red Star's Tokens, Gold and Glory, July 14th - August 28th at Hap Gallery,  916 NW Flanders, Portland, OR 97209, www.hapgallery.com