Animal Pragmatism
“Winged Wisdom,” part of the “Presidio Habitats” art exhibition and site-specific installation that presents the conceptual and practical development of artwork habitats for animal residents of the national park in San Francisco, is composed of three-dimensional letters built of steel armature and mesh netting and filled with sterile straw. It spells out messages including “adapt to change,” “resolve conflict with song” and “nest from the inside out.” “Winged Wisdom” was conceived by artist Brody Hartman and designed in collaboration with Philippe Becker. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Chinese artist Ai Weiwei has transformed a classical Chinese vessel type into a living environment for the Western screech owl. Nine hand-painted vessels are installed in the branches of towering cypress trees. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Another look at a cypress tree at the Presidio holding Chinese artist Ai Weiwei’s vessels for the Western screech owl. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
“Sculpture Habitat for the Gray Fox” is meant to simulate a miniature range of mountain peaks and valleys, or perhaps fox ears. The piece consists of interlocking wood components built from surplus Presidio cypress; the center component contains a cavity in which the fox can reside. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
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Another angle of the “Sculpture Habitat for the Gray Fox” at the Presidio in San Francisco. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
“Habitat for Anna’s Hummingbird” is based on an ornithological diagram for California’s hummingbird population that represents the bird’s annual cycle of breeding, migration, and molting through a series of staggered arcs. L.A.-based Chadwick Studio reinterpreted that design as a three-dimensional circular planter supporting both native and non-native flowering plants. The work serves as a natural feeder for the Presidio’s resident Anna’s hummingbirds. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
For “Winged Defense,” artist Mark Dion and architect Nitin Jayaswal created a freestanding structure designed for the Mexican free-tailed bat that draws on the utilitarian architecture of the Presidio’s military barracks and appears stylistically sympathetic with existing Presidio structures. An internal structure provides the bats with customized space for roosting. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
“Patience,” created by Jensen Architects, a
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“Owl Dome” provides a habitat for the Western screech owl. Designed by Taalman Koch Architecture of
