Flocks of birds are the inspiration behind the upcoming Fort Gallery exhibition titled Murmuration that opens on Nov. 14.
A murmuration pattern is best known from the flocks of starlings who move swiftly into changing patterns.
The Fort Gallery’s Murmuration is a series of tiny, cryptic, boat-like forms created from branches and leaves that swirl through the installation by artists Erica Grimm, Zuzana Vasko, and Emily Arnett.
Grimm said the exhibit is meant to allow visitors to put together metaphors that can be found among each part of the art installments. The exhibit demonstrates ideas of environmental protection and living in harmony with nature.
“If we listen to what is emerging around us, then we will know how to save the planet in a new way,” said Grimm.
Grimm explained the Earth is in the midst of a planetary system shift, and said since the planet is changing, “we need to listen in order to know how to shift and respond.”
The display is made of bent branch boats called coracles which are woven with sage branches, skinned with hog gut and bound with notes of cryptic text.
The notes have quotes from a range of writers who address inter-species commonalities in light of climate change.
“We really need to look at our relationship with nature and how we can reimagine our relationship with nature,” said Grimm.
Murmuration is open from Nov. 14 to Dec. 9, with an opening reception on Nov. 17 from 1 to 4 p.m.
The Fort Gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. at 9048 Glover Rd.