I Found A Bird

I FOUND A BIRD is a two person show that features new work by Katrina Slavik and Mike Fernandez.

Katrina Slavik’s  large black and white drawings are made on paper that is customized to fit this wall. On top of the drawings hang true-to-size sculptures of urban wildlife such as pigeons, a coleus plant, and a coyote. These sculptures are made from paint and upcycled materials such as cardboard, repurposed clothing, plastic bags, and old CVS receipts.

The layout is inspired by natural history museum dioramas, except instead of majestic animals placed against a backdrop of untouched wilderness, these creatures live on the streets outside our apartments. The drawings are quick and changeable, in contrast to the solid and enduring animals and plants. The piece is inspired by the artist’s local community in Astoria, Queens. She’s interested in how her community makes cultural and spiritual connections with the cityscape and urban wildlife.

Mike Fernandez’s photographic series uplifts the work of the Wild Bird Fund. More than 350 avian species live in or migrate through New York City, an ancient migratory pathway known as the Atlantic flyway. Many birds are injured each year by window collisions, lead poisoning, colliding with vehicles, or other human interference. The Wild Bird Fund, a nonprofit organization provides emergency care for injured, sick, or orphaned wildlife in New York City. Most of the animals are brought in by people who find them on the street, the clinic relies heavily on volunteer labor and donations.

Banner image: Coyote by Katrina Slavik

Feature image: “Ben” the Northern Cardinal by Mike Fernandez