Birds, butterflies, flying machines, and a sinister, wickedly abstract belt made of empty liquor bottles -- Paul Villinski's works are one mechanized step away from chaotic, destructive motion. Though most of his sculptures are made with found materials, in 2014, he turned his process on its head by breeding live butterflies in a New York gallery. This delicate, thoughtful, and poetic installation has since become an example of how art can serve science. Among other influences,witnessing the devastation of Hurricane Katrina on the ground in New Orleans has had a lasting impact on Villinski's work.
Written by Robert Preece