Brooding Season I & III

Artist Deirdre Murphy sees striking similarities between neuron structures in the brain and nests suspended within the architecture of trees. “Only tension and friction hold these nests together, no glue, nor nails, only pressure of twig against twigs,” explains Murphy. “A magical alchemy is felt in the feathering of the nest, a sacred dance where the bird contorts her body to create a perfect vessel to receive her eggs. Much like modern dance choreography, this active, gestural motion culminates in perfect architecture. The brooding series looks at how these expert builders camouflage their nests in the all-encompassing foliage pattern.” 

According to the artist, Brooding Season I & III investigate songbird nests as an engineering wonder, a place of refuge and of vulnerability. Two decades of studio practice and research about bird migration and climate change evolved into the idea of home, which is especially prescient during the pandemic where we are relegated to our houses.

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