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2025 public art award | broomfield, colorado
MURMURATION: The dance of starlings
INSTALLATION DISPLAY
May 1 - August 30, 2025
Mamie Doud Eisenhower Public Library
3 Community Park Road
Broomfield, Colorado 80020
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A METAPHOR OF UNITY AND INTERCONNECTION
The murmuration of starlings serves as a powerful metaphor for unity and interconnectedness. In their intricate dance across the sky, each bird moves in harmony with the collective, demonstrating how individual actions can create a big impact when they are combined. This mesmerizing phenomenon illustrates the beauty of cooperation, showcasing how our personal journeys are intertwined with the larger patterns of life. Just as starlings respond to the rhythms of their flock, we can also find strength in community and shared experiences. The fluidity and grace of their movement remind us that while we may have different paths, together we can create a stunning tapestry of existence, reflecting the diversity and resilience inherent in nature.
ARTIST INTENT and CONCEPT
Perceptions and Points of View to Encourage Civic Dialogue
INTENTION 1: Conservation and Preservation
"Murmuration" aims to capture the distinctive dance of starlings as they move in unison across the sky, a phenomenon that embodies the beauty and interconnectedness of nature. Through the use of 3-dimensional sculpture, I intend to create an experience that invites viewers to witness and reflect on the poetic rhythm and metaphor of these unmistakable bird formations and remind us of our relationship with the environment and each other.
By engaging the community in this exploration, I hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of life that exists around us and invite each viewer to discover and contribute* their own interpretation of movement and connection; fostering a dialogue about the ways we coexist with each other (including nature) and encouraging us all to celebrate the shared experiences that bind us together – like the mesmerizing dance of starlings.
INTENTION 2: Immigration
“The awesome sight of a murmuration is just one example of how this remarkable bird lends itself to myth-making through the centuries—from Shakespeare to Schieffelin and beyond.”1
The importation of starlings into America by Eugene Schieffelin in the 19th century, driven by romantic notions of introducing all birds mentioned in Shakespeare's works (an urban legend), parallels contemporary societal fears surrounding immigration. Just as starlings were blamed—often without substantive evidence—for the decline of native bird populations, current political discourse frequently seeks to hold immigrant groups responsible for a range of societal issues, fueled by anecdotal claims and unfounded fears. This reflects a broader human tendency to attribute complex challenges to an "outsider" presence, overlooking the nuanced realities that shape both ecological and social landscapes. Such narratives often obscure the potential contributions and richness that diversity brings, whether in nature or society.
Underlying the beauty of starlings’ dance, my installation seaks to encourage civic dialogue regarding adaptation, progress and the value of diverse communities. “Murmuration” will serve as a metaphor for immigration and the myriad ways communities can come together, despite their differences. This dynamic visual representation has the potential to foster conversations about both historical and contemporary perspectives on immigration.
The installation will use the fluidity and unity of the murmuration to symbolize the shared experiences of immigrants throughout history. Evoking stories of migration, it will offer a platform for discussion about the varied reasons people leave their homelands—whether it be in search of safety, economic opportunity, or a better quality of life. This aligns with historical narratives that have shaped immigration policies and the experiences of immigrants in the past, providing context for dialogue about how these stories resonate today.
By encouraging viewers to engage with both the beauty of the murmuration and the complexities of immigration, the installation can create a space for reflection and conversation. Participants may discuss not only their own views but also consider the broader implications of their perspectives in shaping community responses to immigration policies today.
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1) Birds of Shakespeare: The common starling. Folger Shakespeare Libraryhttps://www.folger.edu/blogs/shakespeare-and-beyond/birds-of-shakespeare-the-common-starling/
2) “European Starling.” All About Birds. The Cornell Lab.https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/European_Starling/overview.
