Gemma Kahng's art transcends the boundaries between humans and birds, granting avian beings equal, if not greater, importance than people. Through her work, she elevates birds to a human status, adorning them extravagantly and granting them the privilege of ornamentation and attire.
In a nod to the portraits of nobility and aristocracy during the Renaissance and Baroque ears, Kahng mimics the grandeur and opulence associated with those historical periods. Like the rulers whose portraits asserted their majesty in their absence, Kahng’s portraits of birds command attention and reverence. With diplomatic significance reminiscent of courtly settings, these avian portraits are framed in elaborate gilded frames, much like the portraits of the elite hung prominently in their homes.
The birds patiently await the day of reckoning, envisioning a future where humanity self-implodes, allowing the “Wild Things” to rise once again. They represent a fo race of renewal and transformation, heralding both an end and a new beginning. The impending shift draws near unless humanity embraces change, reevaluates its actions, and makes amends.
Gemma Kahng’s art invites contemplation and reflection, urging viewers to reassess their relationship with the natural world and their roles as caretakers of the planet. Through the regal presence of her bird portraits, she provokes a profound inquiry into our responsibility towards the environment, offering a powerful visual commentary on the potential consequences of our actions and the urgent need for change.