Bluebirds are often associated with happiness, love, hope, and positivity, making them an apt subject for New York-based artist Gigi Chen (previously), whose surreal paintings of wildlife merge the animal kingdom with symbols of home, comfort, and connection.

In her forthcoming solo exhibition A Collective Glow at Beinart Gallery in Melbourne, Chen continues to explore emotional ties between animals and the environment. In “A Sparrow’s Song,” a bird’s body radiates with neon pink hearts, while in “A Collective Glow,” half a dozen house sparrows stitch up a gleaming cavity in a pigeon’s breast.

Chen’s newest series considers the relationship between nature and mythology along with autobiographical narratives of the complexities of family, safety, love, and a sense of belonging. Her works incorporate otherworldly, dream-like imagery that draws on childhood associations with movies and television featuring magical animals. “The paintings prominently feature creatures—usually birds—acting as conduits for Chen and her own stories,” says a gallery statement.

A Collective Glow runs from June 23 to July 17. Find more on Chen’s website and Instagram.

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