Magpies and More: A Presentation by Jihee Min, Fresh!AiR Artist-in-Residence

The Caetani Cultural Centre and Allan Brooks Nature Centre invite the public to an artist talk and presentation by artist-in-residence Jihee Min. Min’s presentation will mark the end of six weeks of research, discovery and art making inspired by the mythology of local birds. Focusing on new work and the the processes she undertook during her residency here in Vernon, she will also touch on past work, bridging the gap between old and new themes. Although her initial intent was to research the local flora and fauna of the Okanagan, drawing influence from Major Allan Brooks himself who was an ornithologist and bird artist, MIn narrowed her focus to birds, specifically magpies, bald eagles and pheasants - 3 species she could connect culturally, symbolically and personally.

Through a series of watercolours, Min depicts the magpie as her alter-ego (the Korean self, the lost childhood, the unwelcome foreigner). With her drawings she hopes to express the various symbolic and spiritual meanings of birds that vary from Western and Eastern cultures, as well as hopefully dispel notions of the magpie’s bad reputation. Finally, Min will show a video piece which depicts herself transforming into the magpie. The work presented will be the beginnings of a much larger future piece, so she welcomes feedback and input following the talk. Please join Jihee at the Allan Brooks Nature Centre Wednesday, June 8 at 7PM. Light snacks and refreshments will be served.

MIn’s residency kicks off the first of four back-to-back Fresh!AiR art & environment themed artist residencies for the 2016 season, a program made possible through a partnership between the Caetani Cultural Centre and the Allan Brooks Nature Centre. For more information, please feel free to give us a call 250-275-1525.