Art Review: Fran Giffard - O for Ornithology @ 10 Grosvenor St

Tabish Khan
By Tabish Khan Last edited 138 months ago
Art Review: Fran Giffard - O for Ornithology @ 10 Grosvenor St
Fran Giffard, 'U'  from the series 'O for Ornithology'.
Fran Giffard, 'U' from the series 'O for Ornithology'.
Fran Giffard, 'Red II' from the series 'Swatches'.
Fran Giffard, 'Red II' from the series 'Swatches'.
Fran Giffard, 'O'  from the series 'O for Ornithology'.
Fran Giffard, 'O' from the series 'O for Ornithology'.
Fran Giffard, 'G'  from the series 'O for Ornithology'.
Fran Giffard, 'G' from the series 'O for Ornithology'.
Fran Giffard, 'V', 'R' and 'Z' from the series 'O for Ornithology'.
Fran Giffard, 'V', 'R' and 'Z' from the series 'O for Ornithology'.
Hong Kong, Cage 25 and Cage 32.
Hong Kong, Cage 25 and Cage 32.

Birds are a favoured muse of artists, primarily because there are thousands of species with many boasting a bright, eye-catching plumage. This makes them ideal subjects for creating works that grab the viewer's attention. But with so many paintings and drawings of birds out there, how does an artist stand out?

Fran Giffard is an artist who manages to do just that. The centrepiece is a set of 26 birds, one for each letter of the alphabet and they are all drawn on diary pages. This makes them feel like each day brings about a new doodle, though we wish our doodles were as impressive.

Rather than having these birds perched upon a branch, her 'cages' are homages to Mondrian's famous compositions. The main works are titled with a letter of the alphabet that links to the name of the bird (with some artistic licence applied) and the letter can also be found hidden within the lines of the cages. It's an impressive feat that blends seamlessly with the birds and ensures that Giffard's drawings stand out from the work of other animal artists.

Instead of being shown in an art gallery, this exhibition is in the spacious atrium of  a building where people will be rushing by on their way to and from work. But rather than walk on by, we encourage you to take the time to stop and appreciate these mini marvels.

Fran Giffard: O for Ornithology is on display in the atrium of 10 Grosvenor St, W1K 4BJ until December 17th. Admission is free.

Last Updated 22 September 2012