Jonathan Schipper
	Firebird Firebird, 2006-07, Installation View   Jonathan Schipper continues to develop his sculptural installations for this exhibition. This time, in collaboration with Amelia Biewald, the work examines notions of power and nature. This installation will feature one large-scale, tree-like sculpture entitled “Firebird.” The idea and reality of power is manifested in the 350 cubic-inch V8 engine taken from a 1969 Pontiac Firebird, which produces 265 ‘teeth-rattling horsepower’ and 380 pound-feet of torque, and which powers the sculpture. Nature is in the tree that it imitates and the birds’ wings that it manipulates. The engine’s power is transferred through one main driveshaft into smaller driveshafts utilizing universal joints that splinter off into smaller and smaller branches. Birds’ wings and their feathery surface are the last attachment to this complex structure. The wings move as if in flight and mesmerize the viewer as with wind blown through the leaves of trees. This sculpture, then, explores the struggle to come to terms with man’s relationship to nature; his ability to control, mimic, reflect and, ultimately, become part of his environment. In addition, one wall of the gallery will be covered by diagrammatic drawings. The drawings will act as service and instruction manuals, as well as plans to produce the sculpture. This is Schipper’s second exhibition at Pierogi.
	P   I   E   R   O   G   I     2   0   0   0 177 north 9th street brooklyn, ny 11211 718.599.2144 noon to 6p friday through monday and by appointment pierogi 2000 is an innovative art gallery in williamsburg, brooklyn, new york