STORRS, CT — The Contemporary Art Galleries (CAG), in collaboration with the University of Connecticut’s Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, is sponsoring an interdisciplinary, multi-media exhibition, Ornithology: Looking at Birds, in the School of Fine Arts building from Feb.11, through April 3.
In conjunction with the exhibit, the University’s art and biology departments also will present a symposium, Looking for Birds, featuring a panel of artists and ornithologists on April 3, at 2:30 p.m. in the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center’s Konover Auditorium.
The show and exhibit are supported by East Hartford-based Pratt & Whitney, a leading developer of technologies for air travel and a long-time supporter of UConn engineering programs.
This is the first time, however, that Pratt and Whitney has underwritten a project in the fine arts, a notable expansion of its commitment to the University, said David Woods, dean of the School of Fine Arts.
“UConn and Pratt & Whitney already have a strong relationship. We welcome Pratt & Whitney’s new interest in the University of Connecticut’s fine arts programs, and greatly appreciate all that they have done to make the Ornithology exhibit possible,” he said.
The exhibit presents a diverse mix of images, videos, sound clips and other works focused on birds which have long caught the imagination of artists. This exhibit, however, uses images of and themes associated with birds to raise provocative questions about the human condition.
Through the deceptively simple figure of the bird, the works on display explore themes of race and gender relations, emerging and evolving global politics, economics and environmental change.Works include that of renowned artists such as Kiki Smith, a prominent New York-based sculptist, and Fred Tomaselli, painter and Brooklyn native.
Many of the pieces touch on contemporary themes, such as biologist/artist Carsten Höller’s Birds, portraits of one-of-a-kind hybrid birds, doomed to certain extinction; and Peter Edlund’s Homage to James Byrd (after J.J. Audubon), in memory of the African-American victim of a 1998 hate crime.
"Pratt & Whitney has a long history of supporting UConn’s cultural and educational programs. We donate more than $4.5 million to non-profit and educational institutions annually," said Heather Summerer, Pratt & Whitney public affairs manager.
"We support programs that enhance the cultural life of our communities through arts and environmental initiatives that protect our natural resources. We believe this exhibit and symposium provide a wonderful opportunity to partner with the University to promote these goals."
The symposium on April 3 will include ornithologists, contemporary artists and UConn faculty, with the aim of fostering dialogue on the importance and symbolic value of birds in art production, scientific research and human psychology.
Connecticut artists on display include Peter Edlund, a well known oil-painter and Canton native; Janet L. Pritchard, professor of photography at UConn; Gregory Crewdson, a photographer, graduate of and current professor at Yale University School of Art; and William Earl Kofmehl, a renowned sculptor.
The works of Mary Carlson, Walten Ford, Michael Gitlin, Louise Lawler, Christy Rupp, Stephanie Lempert, Hope Sandrow, Hunt Slonem, Kiki Smith, and Fred Tomaselli, all New York based artists, as well as Paula McCartney of Minnesota and Mel Chin of North Carolina will be featured.
The works of international artists Johan Grimonprez of Belgium, Carsten Höller of Sweden, William Kentridge of South Africa, Neeta Madahar of London and Vik Muniz of Brazil will also be on display.
February Releases
|
