MURMUR is the latest series of drumskin paintings by Canadian artist,
illustrator and animator Aimée van Drimmelen. Working exclusively on
synthetic drumheads, that youʼd normally find on a bass or snare drum,
this solo show studies the rhythm, motion and eccentricities of the
Common Starling, an invasive species of bird that thrives in urban
environments. MURMUR marks an exciting turning point for van Drimmelen,
who for the first time combines her signature ink and water technique
with hand drawn animated stills, studying every move these birds make
with organic ink depictions that seek a commonality between them and
ourselves.
Native to Europe and Western Asia, starlings were first introduced to North America in
1890 by Eugene Schieffel, president of the “American Acclimatization
Society” (a group that tried to introduce every bird species mentioned
in the works of William Shakespeare to North America). Schieffel
released 100 birds in New Yorkʼs Central Park, which quickly
proliferated, causing havoc to native bird populations and becoming a
continental scourge.
Today there are an estimated 200 million starlings in North America.
Starlings prefer urban settings and will aggressively displace native
birds from their nesting sites. They are very vocal birds, constantly
singing, chattering and mimicking other species. Before roosting, groups
of starlings gather in sometimes staggering numbers, flying back and
forth in a calculated cosmic ritual known as “murmuring,” which is both
awe inspiring and terrifying to watch: http://vimeo.com/31158841. In a
way “we” murmur also.
Unique illuminated wall mounts made from actual drums will be a focal
point for this exhibition, as well as works mounted on actual vintage
marching band drums collected by the artist. Originals and limited
edition prints will be available for sale at via the gallery and online.
The artistʼs musical project The Backhomes will also perform at the opening.
www.aimeevandrimmelen.com
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