Chris Bleicher is a renowned artist from Germany who revels in bright colors and abstract forms. Chris’ art has been showcased in exhibitions and art events all over the world and she is presently represented by several galleries. Chris’ primary representation in the United States–where she has a sizable fan-following–is in New York via the ARTIFACT Gallery. The gallery recently gave her the opportunity to display a piece of her artwork in South Korea’s Yukyung Art Museum which is part of the larger Haegeumgang Museum.
The show at the Yukyung Art Museum will run from December 1 to December 30, 2017. The exhibition will include the works of several artists who live all over the world and work in a variety of mediums such as photography, painting, sculpture, and more. Chris’ piece is titled “The Chicken in the Cockpit” and once the show is over, her piece will remain at the museum as part of its permeant collection. Hence, unlike most of her creations, “The Chicken in the Cockpit” is not for sale.
In an exclusive interview, Chris Bleicher recently discussed this exhibition, her artwork, and more.
Meagan Meehan (MM) of Entertainment Vine: How did you think up the idea for “The Chicken in the Cockpit” and what is the meaning of the piece and its title?
Chris Bleicher (CB): In Munich, the Franz Josef Strauß Airport was built up and opinions were divided about it; some people liked it while others hated it. The building certainly got a lot of attention and everyone was talking about it! In the midst of all this, the director of the former Penta Hotel in Munich-Freising (which is close to the new airport) invited me for an exhibition. In this context, I got the inspiration for the theme of the exhibition, “The Chicken in the Cockpit,” as well as my staple piece of artwork: a neon object made with an original piece of a Beech Bonanza F33 airplane. I even gave the piece the same name as the exhibition!
MM: What interests you about chickens and why did you decide to make that animal the focal point of this piece?
CB: When I was planning this piece of art, I remembered that I once saw a chicken hypnosis. I was only four years old when I saw this and it was on a farm in the Bavarian Forest. I was on vacation with my parents at the time and didn’t think much of it at the time, but when I looked back on it as an adult I realized that it was quite incredible. I also thought that it would make a very interesting component to an artistic performance.
I researched the hypnosis technique, but I had no idea if I could do it as well as I had seen it done. I somehow persuaded the former hotel manager to test the hypnosis with me in a chicken battery! After some initial hesitation–he was a bit nervous about issued like animal protection, restaurant hygienic rules, etc.–I convinced him that everything was completely humane and the chicken we would be using in the performance would then we allowed to retire to a beautiful farm and live out its life peacefully. I’m an animal lover so the welfare of the chicken was always on the top of my mind.
I ended up doing a great “open air installation” performance around my original airplane wings art which I called “Chicken Wings” and which were painted with chicken motifs and multicolor neon accents. The actual performance involved a Starfighternose “Flower Power” (which is a symbol for technology), a scarecrow (which is a symbol for nature), and the hypnotized chicken. It was quite a scene!
MM: What materials is the actual artwork made out of and how long did it take you to complete it?
CB: It’s made from a whole combination of items, so it’s mixed media. I used green neon installation, acrylic paint, an original airplane part of a Beech Bonanza F33, a 3D artificial chicken and even a rooster figure that is made out of pressed leaves! It took me several months to complete it.
MM: How did the Yukyung Art Museum opportunity present itself via ARTIFACT? For instance, how did the gallery come to collaborate with the museum?
CB: The ARTIFACT Gallery represents me in New York City and international. They wrote me an invitation email stating that they were seeking work by international artists who make important contributions to contemporary art to display in South Korea. They were especially interested in contemporary art like sculptures, painting, photography, and mixed media. They told all of us artists that the work we submitted would then be added to the museum’s collection which is a very big deal for any artist! It was a prime opportunity to bring my work to Asia and I like the mission of The Yukyung Museum which promotes diversity, peace and unity. I was really surprised and thrilled to be selected by ARTIFACT for this event and it is absolutely amazing that my work will remains in the Yukyung Art Museum collection!
MM: Have you ever traveled to South Korea before and what was the experience of bringing your artwork there like?
CB: I was in Hong Kong, India, and Thailand but never in South Korea. In India and Hong Kong I was guided with small groups, but I never thought to travel alone to South Korea with neon art in my luggage! This is an adventure because, apart from toing around my big and heavy luggage, I cannot either speak Korean or neither read Korean characters!
MM: How big is your fan following in the United States in comparison to other countries?
CB: I traveled many times to the United States so I have many friends there. Actually, aside from Germany, most fans and followers of my artwork live in America!
MM: What other creative projects or events are on the horizon for you?
CB: I must finish four commissioned neon butterflies for a friend and collector who ordered them as Christmas gifts for her friends and family. I have three pieces in my “Hi Darling” series that need to be colorfully painted and one piece in my “Little Sheep” series also needs to be colored. I’m still working on my “Urn Art Series,” am still bird feeding for my “Wild Birds Live Cam” venture, and I have several projects for charity happening soon.
Perhaps one of the events I am most excited about is attending Springen in Frankfurt, Germany, as part of a “Khartik Night” which will take place on October 28 and October 29, 2017…and October 29 is my birthday! I’ll be there with Swami Vishwananda. I made a luxury pilgrimage travel to India with him in 2016.
On this occasion, I’ll join Mr. Klein of “Brillen Weltweit” (Glasses Worldwide) and I will give him my new collected glasses, medical aids, and more for this charity organization. We are also collaborating on some art-glass and charity endeavors. Anyone who is interested in these events check out my “Peep Art” website and/or follow me on social media!
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To learn more about Chris Bleicher and her projects, visit her official websites here and here. She is also on Twitter and Facebook. Swami Vishwananda’s website can be accessed here and the Yukyung Art Museum can be seen here.
