The cultural value and vulnerability of polar bears is a frequent theme in Gruben’s work. In Guardian, thick braids of polar bear guard hairs encased in clear industrial vinyl are bound together and ornamented with red broadcloth and long strings of ricrac, creating a sculptural, glossy kind of fabric or garment. Its twisting strands are a macro echo of the DNA that is encoded in the individual animal hairs, and there is some suggestion of the fact that all we have left of many species is preserved DNA. Guardian was part of Maureen Gruben’s solo show, QULLIQ: In Darkness, Light, at the Libby Leshgold Gallery from Feb 1 - April 15, 2018.