45 Paleolithic Handaxes from Transfigurations: Reanimating the Past
David Lebrun

September 21, 2021 – July 16, 2022

Visitors who encounter this video installation will experience the past in new ways as they examine some of the earliest tools crafted by humans. Though the stone artifacts from archaeological sites throughout Europe will not be present, they will be accessible in a powerful way through a unique combination of highresolution photography, animation, use of scale, and an evocative sound score. Artist David Lebrun has spent decades working with archaeologists and anthropologists to identify and photograph iconic, human-made objects from four regions: Mesoamerica, Europe, the Mediterranean and South Asia. While the pandemic prevented the museum from moving forward with a larger presentation of Lebrun’s work, this installation and another for the 2022-2023 season representing ancient Mesoamerica will provide a substantial introduction to the artist’s massive, long-term project, Transfigurations: Reanimating the Past.

A newly developed Exploration Station designed by the artist and his team will be available just outside the 45 Paleolithic Handaxes installation. It has been created to provide visitors with a rich array of information about each of the forty-five stone tools in the animation. Enjoy the aesthetic beauty of the objects, then discover the information archaeologists have pieced together about their making and use. See the past differently!

Platinum Major Sponsors: Cytek Media Systems, Inc. and Weary Family Foundation
Gold Sponsors: David and Mindy Weaver
Silver Sponsors: Jerry and Barbara Boettcher