Taxidermy Art

From home-goods stores to hip bars, the Tate Modern to the most conservative décor magazines, taxidermy is everywhere these days. And for as long as there has been taxidermy, there have been people who are willing to push its boundaries—from the jackalope to Damien Hirst sticking a shark in a tank of formaldehyde. Unlike traditional taxidermy, these mounts are not meant to mimic reality and are instead used to artistic effect. Rogue taxidermy is at the cutting edge of this trend, featuring stunning, provocative pieces “not without a certain sly humor” (The New York Times). In this, the first-ever collection of rogue taxidermy, you’ll find a monkey with a fez and a martini glass, a jewel-encrusted piglet, a bionic fawn, and a polar bear balancing on a floating refrigerator. Author Robert Marbury makes for a friendly (and often funny) guide, addressing the three big questions people have about rogue taxidermy: What is it all about? Can I see some examples? and How can I make my own? He takes readers through a brief history of taxidermy (and what sets rogue taxidermy apart) and presents stunning pieces from twenty of the most influential artists in the field. Rounding out this guide are six illustrated how-to lessons to get readers started on their own work, with sources for taxidermy materials and resources for the budding taxidermist. 

“"The crucified parrots, winged foxes, and martini-sipping monkeys in this wild and wonderful bestiary of a book suggest that there is something deeply strange afoot in our culture--and we ought to pay attention."”

“The crucified parrots, winged foxes, and martini-sipping monkeys in this wild and wonderful bestiary of a book suggest that there is something deeply strange afoot in our culture—and we ought to pay attention.” 
—Joshua Foer, New York Times bestselling author of Moonwalking with Einstein

“So appalling, funny, grotesque, weirdly charming, and highly informative that even I was creeped out. Necrophilia or beauty? You be the judge!”
—John Waters

“Darkly beautiful and fascinatingly disturbing.  I recommend.”
—Jenny Lawson, New York Times bestselling author of Let’s Pretend This Never Happened (A Mostly True Memoir)

“Robert Marbury is a mad genius.”
—Diablo Cody, Academy Award–winning screenwriter of Juno

“It’s only fitting that one of the driving forces behind Rogue Taxidermy should be the first to showcase it as no one else has. Robert Marbury’s book isn’t just instant gold—it’s gold for the long haul.”
—James Taylor of Shocked and Amazed!

“The ultimate book on contemporary guerrilla taxidermy.”
—Dr. Petra Lange-Berndt, University College London

“Marvellously macabre.” 
—The Bookseller (UK)

“Eye-popping and informative.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“A truly interesting read, rife with intriguing history, talented artists, memorable images.”
—BookPage
 
“Marbury has compiled the first modern taxidermy bible.”
—Largehearted Boy

“A well-curated look at a fascinating artistic movement that challenges viewers to confront death and decay, and maybe turn it into something fantastical.”
—New YorkDaily News
 
“Beautiful.”
—Baltimore City Paper
 
“For those on your holiday shopping list who don’t need another necktie or scarf and possess an interesting sense of humor, I’d like to propose Robert Marbury’s Taxidermy Art.”
—Wall Street Journal
 

Robert Marbury is the director and cofounder of the Minnesota Association of Rogue Taxidermists. He is a multidisciplinary artist working in fabric, photography, and fur, and in addition to creating his own art, he co-hosts and judges the annual Carnivorous Nights Taxidermy Contest in Brooklyn and curates the Rogue Taxidermy show at La Luz de Jesus Gallery in Los Angeles. Robert lives in Baltimore and lectures internationally on rogue taxidermy.

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