Ari Bird : Oddly Satisfying

Oddly Satisfying

installation by Ari Bird

May 3rd – May 26th, 2019

Opening Reception: May 3rd, 6-10pm

Interactive ASMR Workshop: May 25th, 2-6pm

When we observe another person engaging in a skillful act, we experience a small dose of mastery and control. It makes us feel as if we are engaging in the act ourselves, even though we’re just watching. Mirror Neurons in the brain become activated and this brings us a pleasurable sensation. We observe, and eventually replicate and do. Our ‘doing alone’ is forever linked to our ‘doing with others’, and this is a core component that makes us social beings.

Even engaging in a simple task that one feels they are doing alone-holding, slicing, mixing, squishing, cutting, shaping, balancing-is done with others. The task may appear to be pointless, mundane, or childish, but it remains a soothing point of connection. This is how the tactile becomes larger than life, psychological and meaningful.

Utilizing both tiny and oversized replicas, props and paintings, Ari Bird’s exhibition explores the oddly satisfying experience of elevating everyday objects/actions to become symbols of ritual, transcendence, and connection with others. With an ASMR workshop

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Ari Bird (b. 1988, San Diego, California) seeks balance in the interactions between seemingly disparate objects, shapes, and colors through varying mediums. Primarily a painter and installation artist, Bird lifts symbols from her surrounding to create new narratives. Her sculptural ‘props’, which are usually either comically large or small in scale, explore the cosmic and psychological meaning we imbue in objects. Bird has exhibited in galleries and diy/underground spaces nationally, and at times pursues curatorial projects. She has been an arts educator for over 6 years combined, and currently helps maintain the sculptures at Children’s Fairyland. Her studio and home are located in Oakland, CA.