Murmuration Opening Reception

Thanks to everyone who could come out to the opening reception of Murmuration this weekend. I love this time of year when the sun stays out until nearly 8 pm and this weekend we had some of the nicest weather. I had a great time greeting friends and meeting lovely, new people.

 A part of this exhibition is a modular grid of small paintings that can be moved around to change the choreography of the flock. Next to this hang two pairs of white gloves and this label:

 The Bird By Bird Series can be grouped in sequential order, or re-arranged to suit. Please feel free to change the order. Move any of these paintings within the group, altering the overall configuration as you envision it. Each shift changes the choreography of the flock, the shape of the clouds, and the story of the murmuration. 

 I was pleased to see people step up and don the gloves and set about re-designing within the grid's
configuration.

I hope to get photographs of all of the various configurations people come up
with as the exhibition progresses.

In the meantime, you can see more photos here, on my Facebook page.

Behind the Scenes

Murmuration is now installed and open for viewing. Installation day was Sunday. For the first time in years I was able to fit all of my artwork in my own vehicle partly because I have a car with cargo space now and partly due to the modular nature of most of the pieces.

Below, installation genius Ellen Starr is about to add the wall lettering, while Anne M Bray, whose Pattern Recognition II runs concurrently, speaks with visitors. I love that people like to come in and look around while installation is in progress, sidestepping discarded bubble wrap, not minding booby traps such as wet paint, assorted step ladders.

Zabrina takes care of filing. I have her to thank for the organization level of all my paperwork. Perhaps she'll learn the alphabet one day. In the meantime she uses her own, secret method.

Bear adds his calming presence.

Murmuration: April 24 - May 19 2012
TAG Gallery, Bergamot Station
2525 Michigan Avenue, D3
Santa Monica, CA 90404
310-829-9556

 Hours: 11am - 5pm Tuesday - Saturday
 Sunday: noon - 4pm

 Opening reception: Saturday April 28 5-8pm

Complete Murmuration Preview Online

Bird by Bird 5  ©2012  Katherine Keanoil on linen 8 x 8"

I've finished painting, more or less, although I reserve the right to make last minute changes or additions if so moved and time allows. Sometimes trying to draw the finish line on a body of work for a show is like trying to cap off a well. Ideas continue to flow while I try to ignore them. Still I know that they are percolating beneath the surface, and wondering if they will resurface at an appropriate time.

All twenty paintings are uploaded to the preview site. If you're on my email list you have the access link. If you'd like to see the online preview, you can sign up below.

I'll be posting some of the paintings on Facebook too. Feel free to drop by and join in the conversation.

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Murmuration Sneak Peek: More Paintings Added

Bird By Bird 13 ©2012 Katherine Kean

oil on linen 8 x 8"

I've added more artwork to the online sneak peek of the Murmuration exhibition. This preview is only available for newsletter subscribers. If you'd like to see it sign up by clicking the link below.

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I've also updated a section that allows you to click through a few of the dozens of possible variations of ways the modular pieces can be grouped together. Each change shifts the pattern and the story of the flocking birds.

I'm down to last minute touches, painting edges, and waiting for work to dry.