Bird Circuit, work by Vojislav Radovanović, curated by Jason Jenn

Bird Circuit explores themes of personal expression and identity through the rich symbolism of birds utilizing a queer-coded lens. The exhibition takes inspiration from the historical network of mid-20th-century bars in cities like New York and Los Angeles, where venues with bird-inspired names covertly signaled safety and solidarity as queer communal spaces at a time when self-expression was a dangerous pursuit. Through a series of fantastical paintings and installations, Radovanović uses birds as metaphors for freedom, transformation, resilience, and connection, inviting viewers on a mystical journey that celebrates discovery and personal authenticity.

***bird circuit (n.): Refers to a historical route between a collection of bar venues with bird-inspired names like The Blue Parrot, The Swan, The Red Raven, etc, allowing visitors to know they were entering a queer-friendly space at a time it was considered illegal.