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Shark Girl: Never Quite There

Saturday, May 27, 2017Sunday, October 1, 2017

Installation view of Shark Girl: Never Quite There (

Clifton Hall Link

In the two short years since Casey Riordan’s iconic Shark Girl arrived in Western New York, the sculpture has been so widely shared and experienced that it is now one of Buffalo’s best-known citizens. However, it is perhaps less well-know that Shark Girl has served as one of Riordan's principal artistic motifs for more than a decade. The exhibition Shark Girl: Never Quite There explores Riordan's many depictions of Shark Girl, including works on paper, paintings, sculptures, and installations. Ranging from some of Riordan's earliest representations of her signature character to newly imagined diorama-style installations, this exhibition presents the many facets of Shark Girl’s eccentric, flawed, and altogether extraordinary personality. 

Casey Riordan (American, born 1973). Shark Girl with Brick Wall, 2006. Watercolor and gouache on paper, 20 x 30 inches (50.8 x 76.2 cm). Private Collection. Image courtesy of the artist.

Casey Riordan (American, born 1973). Shark Girl with Brick Disco Ball, 2008. Mixed media on record album, 13 x 13 inches (33 x 33 cm). Private Collection. Image courtesy of the artist.

Casey Riordan (American, born 1973). Shark Girl with Gloves, 2007. Watercolor and gouache on paper, 10 x 8 inches (25.4 x 20.3 cm). Collection Siegel / Jacobs Family. Image courtesy of the artist.

Casey Riordan (American, born 1973). Shark Girl with Dead Rainbow, 2008. Painted porcelain, 15 x 10 x 11 inches (38.1 x 25.4 x 27.9 cm). Private Collection. Image courtesy of the artist.

Casey Riordan (American, born 1973). Pink Cake Topper, 2007. Gouache on paper, 8 x 6 inches (20.3 x 15.2 cm). Private Collection. Image courtesy of the artist.

This exhibition is organized by Curator of Public Art Aaron Ott.

Admission to this exhibition is free during M&T FIRST FRIDAYS @ THE GALLERY.

Exhibition Sponsors

This exhibition is supported by The Seymour H. Knox Foundation.