LOUISE LAWLER’S BIRDCALLS (1972) EXHIBIT AT THE CIVIC CONSERVATORY FROM JUNE 27 TO SEPTEMBER 14, 2014

The Civic Conservatory is pleased to present Birdcalls (1972), an audio and text exhibit by prominent American artist, Louise Lawler.  The display is part of an international exhibition on the work of Emily Carr that will take place in the Civic Conservatory from June 27 to September 14, 2014.
Birdcalls (1972) is a recording of the artist calling out the names of famous artists to sound like various bird calls and runs on a seven-minute loop during hours of operation.  The calls are convincing and naturalistic, and blend within the overall environment to create a subtle soundtrack of bird sounds within the space where they are situated.
The concept of the exhibition reflects on the journey of Victorian-era Canadian artist Emily Carr who travelled to the United Kingdom to study art from 1899 to 1904.  During this time, Carr was diagnosed with hysteria and spent 18 months in the hospital.  While in the hospital, an English songbird flew through the window and landed on her bedside table.  Carr’s strong relationship with nature, which characterized her works throughout her career, was also evident in her connection to animals.  Carr proposed to the director of the clinic that she be allowed to collect English songbirds to bring home to Canada. The doctor surprisingly agreed and on its grounds the clinic built an aviary.  Carr's project became a way to introduce nature into the sterile proceedings of the hospital, thereby capturing some sense of her connection to nature and the landscape.
An opening reception will take place on Friday, June 27, 2014 to kick off the exhibit.  Visitors are invited to tour the exhibit at 7 p.m. with several artists and the curator, followed by a reception at 8 p.m.
The Civic Conservatory is located in the same building as the Mendel Art Gallery at 950 Spadina Crescent East. It is open 364 days a year from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  The cost of admission is by donation.  For more information, please visit www.saskatoon.ca (look under “C” for Civic Conservatory).
For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

- 30 -