PURCH at RP Park

…a continuation of my work which in a broad sense is interested in using architecture and design to bridge “the species gap.” This endeavor sometimes takes the shape of forming connections, illustrating overlaps, and exposing inconsistencies in our anthropocentric world-view. Or, in the case of R.P Park, making bird feeders …

PURCH in RP PARK

Positioned Urban Roosts for Civic Habitation
Opening: April 7th 6-8pm, Russ Pitman Park, Houston Texas

The collection of pieces installed at Russ Pitman Park is a continuation of my work (click here for more on PURCH) which in a broad sense is interested in using architecture and design to bridge “the species gap” (i.e. the conceptual space between us Humans and the myriad other animals around us). This endeavor sometimes takes the shape of  forming connections, illustrating overlaps, and exposing inconsistencies in our anthropocentric world-view. Or, in the case of R.P Park, making bird feeders – objects that are useful, approachable and meaningful from two different species. Much of my recent work also tends to be collaborative in nature with the goal of creating acts —  to celebrate and illustrate cross-species actions (like bird-watching, it take two species, the birds and the watchers).  For this project, PURCH’s in RP PARK, I’m trying to talk WITH the birds. Hopefully my installations here, some of which are feeders, some are simply places to land, illustrate alternate ways for birds and humans to participate in the time-honored tradition of bird watching. There are 15 individual pieces grouped into three installations. The shape of the “fins” has been designed specifically to interact with birds – there are 4 different shapes.

-Ned Dodington

 

PURCH at RP Park is just one of several installations as part of:

It’s a Phase— On-Site Artist Projects at Russ Pitman Park
Curated by Divya Murthy
April 4th – May 13th 2012

This spring, multiple artists and “integrators” have been chosen to collaborate within the history, ecosystem and environmental structures of the lush 4- acre wooded Russ Pitman (RP) Park. Utilizing a variety of source materials, artists will make scientific investigations, explorations, and historical references through installations and time-based events. These on-site artists’ projects hope to highlight the process of collaboration, whether voluntary or involuntary, on all its participants- the artists, community, non- human organisms, and human visitors.

**Opening Reception April 7th from 6-8pm**
Barna Kantor will have a time-based installation from 7:45- 8:45pm

(Light bites and refreshments)

Lina Dib
Ned Dodington
Tobias Fike
Allison Hunter
Barna Kantor
Gabriel Martinez
Abinadi Meza
Emily Sloan
Annie Strader
Matthew Weedman
Curated by Divya Murthy
Russ Pitman Park and The Nature Discovery Center
7112 Newcastle Street, Bellaire, TX 77401
713.667.6550 • www.naturediscoverycenter.org

**After party from 9:30pm-12am at The Fairview, 315 Fairview St., Houston, 77006**

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