Lorien Stern - "Old Friends"
Hashimoto Contemporary is pleased to present Old Friends, a solo exhibition by Mojave Desert-based artist Lorien Stern. The exhibition will be Stern's second solo exhibition at Hashimoto Contemporary, and debut solo presentation at our Minnesota Street location.
Opening Night Reception:
Saturday, August 26th
5pm - 7pm
The artist will be in attendance
Hashimoto Contemporary SF
1275 Minnesota Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
Advance Collector's Preview:
An advance collector's preview will be made available online before the exhibition opens, if you would like to receive a price list, please contact us at sf@hashimotocontemporary.com.
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Lorien Stern, Old Friends, 2023
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Lorien Stern, Smilodon, 2023
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Lorien Stern, T-Rex, 2023
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Lorien Stern, Stegosaurus, 2023
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Lorien Stern, Titanoboa, 2023
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Lorien Stern, Dimetrodon, 2023
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Lorien Stern, Long Neck, 2023
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Lorien Stern, Baby Megalodon, 2023
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Lorien Stern, Pterosaur, 2023
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Lorien Stern, Pakicetus, 2023
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Lorien Stern, Kronosaurus, 2023
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Lorien Stern, Williamsonia, 2023
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Lorien Stern, Protea, 2023
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Lorien Stern, Saltoposuchus, 2023
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Lorien Stern, Prehistoric Dreams Vessel, 2023
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Lorien Stern, Terrestrisuchus, 2023
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Lorien Stern, Rhizodus, 2023
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Lorien Stern, Tristychius, 2023
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Lorien Stern, Icarosaurus, 2023
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Lorien Stern, Acanthostega, 2023
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Lorien Stern, Gooloogongia, 2023
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Lorien Stern, Mandageria, 2023
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Lorien Stern, Plesiosaurus, 2023
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Lorien Stern, Holoptychius, 2023
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Lorien Stern, Shonisaurus, 2023
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Lorien Stern, Gyroptychius, 2023
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Lorien Stern, Pterosaur Mockett, 2023
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Lorien Stern, Smilodon Mockett, 2023
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Lorien Stern, Long Neck Mockett, 2023
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Lorien Stern, T-Rex Mockett, 2023
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Lorien Stern, Hypuronector, 2023
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Lorien Stern, Titanoboa Mockett, 2023
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Lorien Stern, Williamsonia Mockett, 2023
SAN FRANCISCO—”Friendship” might not be the first word that comes to mind when thinking of dinosaurs, but it is for Lorien Stern. Her second solo exhibition at Hashimoto Contemporary, Old Friends, celebrates the connections inhabitants of Earth have to prehistoric creatures while dispelling any fear of dinos as dangerous, menacing beasts. Inspired by the imaginative work paleontologists and paleoartists have done to represent these mysterious creatures, Stern’s work casts the animals from this extremely distant past in an optimistic light, declaring them as sweet and lovable as our oldest friends.
Known for her signature bright, vivid style, Stern understands the origins of her ceramic practice as a way to mourn the loss of loved ones and become brave in the face of perceived danger. In rendering threatening animals or symbols of loss in rounded shapes and flamboyant hues, she transforms the typical connotations of loss into something more palatable. On this subject, Stern remarked “Sometimes to find joy, you have to take scary risks and remind yourself, ‘Well, I am going to die one day,’ which can help give you the little push you need.”
This new series of large and mid-size ceramic wall works and sculptures emphasize the joy and wonder of discovering prehistoric life on Earth. In humanizing these creatures through playful gestures, Stern nags at a human anxiety: how will we be remembered when we are gone? By repositioning these ancient beings as cheery or lighthearted, Stern gives hope that, even for the most petrifying parts of ourselves, our legacy can be one of light, optimism, and friendship.
An opening reception will be held on Saturday, August 26th, from 5 pm - 7 pm at 1275 Minnesota Street, San Francisco. The artist will be in attendance. The exhibition will be on view through September 23rd. For more information, additional images, or exclusive content, please email communications@hashimotocontemporary.com