Summary:
The article discusses Bunny Harvey’s solo exhibition at the BCA Center in Vermont, showcasing her recent works and two new commissioned pieces. It delves into Harvey’s background, artistic process, and the sensory experience her paintings offer viewers. The show includes a video compilation of images set to music by her son, Nico Muhly, offering a multi-sensory experience. Harvey’s unique approach to painting, inspired by her walks and surroundings, is highlighted, emphasizing the immersive nature of her art.
In a rare solo exhibition in Vermont, Bunny Harvey’s artwork takes center stage at the BCA Center in Burlington. The accomplished 78-year-old painter, with a lifelong connection to the Green Mountains, presents a collection of recent works that invite viewers into a world of sound and sight. Curated by Heather Ferrell, this exhibition titled “Bunny Harvey: Worlds Within Worlds” offers a glimpse into the artist’s creative process and the sensory landscapes she paints.
A Masterful Journey Through Soundscapes
Harvey’s artistic journey is a testament to her dedication and talent. With only occasional exhibitions in Vermont due to her illustrious career, the BCA Center provides a rare opportunity to explore her diverse body of work. From abstract oils on small panels to expansive canvases, Harvey’s paintings reflect her deep connection to nature and the environment. Her distinct style captures the essence of Vermont’s landscapes while infusing them with a symphony of sounds.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is the video piece “Walking with Water,” a visual ode to the sights and sounds encountered during Harvey’s walks. Set to music by composer Richard Reed Parry and performed by her son Nico Muhly, the video transforms still photos into a dynamic exploration of movement and rhythm. This multi-sensory experience immerses viewers in a world where art and music converge, offering a unique perspective on Harvey’s creative process.
Sensory Immersion in Harvey’s Paintings
Harvey’s paintings are not mere visual representations but intricate tapestries of sound and sensation. Her use of color, texture, and composition creates a sensory experience that transcends traditional landscapes. From the whisper of wind through the trees to the chirping of birds, each painting resonates with life and movement. The artist’s innovative techniques, such as using a notched trowel or fingerpainting with Flashe, add depth and dimension to her work.
In pieces like “Windborne Songs” and “City with Blue Trees,” Harvey captures the ephemeral beauty of nature through a unique lens. Her compositions draw viewers in, inviting them to explore the hidden layers of each painting. By incorporating elements of sound and movement, Harvey creates a dynamic interplay between the visual and auditory senses. Each brushstroke is a note, each color a melody, harmonizing to form a symphony of sights and sounds.
Harvey’s artistic vision transcends mere representation, offering viewers a glimpse into her inner world. By painting what she feels and hears on her walks, she creates a bridge between the tangible and the intangible. Her paintings become windows into her soul, reflecting the beauty and complexity of the world around her. In Harvey’s art, viewers find not just landscapes but a journey of discovery, a symphony of emotions woven into every stroke of the brush.
In conclusion, Bunny Harvey’s exhibition at the BCA Center is a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and connect us to the world around us. Through her paintings, viewers embark on a sensory journey through landscapes both familiar and fantastical. Harvey’s art speaks to the heart and soul, inviting us to see the world through her eyes and ears. As we immerse ourselves in her paintings, we discover the hidden melodies of nature and the beauty of the world within worlds.
