His dangling birds started appearing on L.A. intersections a few months ago. Over the past month, they have suddenly multiplied around Venice and Santa Monica, sending the neighborhood abuzz with "Who is this guy? What's this all about?"
Will Campbell at Blogging L.A. partly lifted the veil last December, through a Q&A with the elusive artist behind the project, codename Berd. There is a lot of speculation as to the why, and meaning of the birds. They seem to have taken on a life of their own, Campbell pointed out. Berd agreed, but refused to reveal the meaning of it all, implying that it too had taken on a life of its own.
The SMDP provides more intel today, revealing Berd's real name as David Browne. But still no statement on his birds' meaning -- except for his confirmation that there is an underlying purpose: "With the birds on the wires, I thought the meaning would just come out together," he says. "I think it's obvious but apparently it's not [...] The birds' meaning has something to do with an experience that all people have in common. Even the colors, ropes and padlocks tie into the revelation [...] Everyone has their own idea of what it means. It would kill their whole though of it." And so the mystery goes on.
Given official efforts to thwart the artsy, bohemian spirit of our beach communities (see the faith of Venice art walls,) it seemed only matter of time before the birds got attacked by the Law. Yet, despite the police's statement that Berd's art (yes: art) could be charged as misdemeanor, the birds are still dangling their pretty colors in the ocean breeze. To (most of) everyone's relief.
Kudos, Berd. You make our days happier.
[update 07/12/07: Berd Nest Revealed by Curbed LA]
photos: first/last David Browne via SMDP - others Will Campbell via Blooging LA
