Five black cables are stretched from one wall to another using porcelain
wireholders at each end, giving the impression of high-tension lines
in the landscape. A few mounted sparrows are placed randomly on
the lines, but toward the center there is a concentration of about
twenty-five birds that are arranged to spell out the word "FLY."
An accompanying audio CD contains what sounds like birds chirping,
but is actually an eight track recording of the artist doing an
imitation of a chirping sparrow. Ideally, this work would be installed
in a high place, somewhere not necessarily considered part of the
"normal" exhibition space, but still clearly visible.
FLY is a personal fantasy brought into surprisingly convincing reality
through pure artifice, even down to the singing of the birds. It
also offers a reward or bonus for the observant and curious, those
who hear an unlikely sound and are compelled to look for its source.
Ultimately, I suppose, it is about the role and responsibility of
artist and viewer.
