And just like that, the birds have left the building; more specifically, the Woodson Art Museum’s forty-third Birds in Art exhibition closed on Sunday. The twelve weeks dedicated to Birds in Art seemed to race by, as always. Multiple artist residencies, visiting school groups, and popular public programs kept the education department busy and now, after the all-too-brief holiday break, Birds in Art feels almost like a distant memory. Changing galleries and re-installed Art Park spaces reflect the upcoming exhibition Victor Vasarely: Op Art Master, which opens Saturday, December 1.
I’m not quite ready to let go of all my fond Birds in Art memories, though, and – lucky for me – daily I get to walk by a large reminder of a favorite exhibition experience. Artist Jane Kim’s painting, RGB(ird), offers a striking depiction of indigo buntings flying across a white panel, some weaving through a color wheel. During her mid-November residency, Jane led a scientific illustration workshop, offered a public presentation on her background and art career, and joined visitors for a Birds in Art gallery walk.
In between brushstrokes, Jane engaged with students during their Museum field trips and curious visitors who observed her at work, asked questions, and learned about the concept behind RGB(ird), which is now part of the Woodson Art Museum’s collection and will remain on display for all to admire this winter. To learn more about RGB(ird) and why indigo buntings aren’t really blue, watch the short interview with Jane below.
