NEW YORK - Marylandian -- As rising sea levels, hurricanes and floods threaten coastal towns, coral reefs and the fishing industry, art has the ability to spark conversations and inspire action.  With his forthcoming show, "Fish Tales," New York artist Byron Keith Byrd joins the ranks of artists like Andy Goldsworthy and Judy Chicago, using art-making to take on climate activism.  In his upcoming solo exhibition, Byrd's large-scale abstract expressionist paintings reflect historical myths and legends of the sea, reminding us of our connection - and dire need – to preserve our global oceans.

As a native New Yorker and part-time Florida resident, the urgency to protect Florida's beaches is close to Byrd's heart. For Byrd,  "The impact of climate change on Florida is becoming more and more extreme.  We are not only losing real estate, coral reefs and entire species of fish, we are threatening our own well-being, and the health of our planet.   As an artist, I am passionate about using my art to bring attention to this critical issue – I hope that 'Fish Tales' is a call to action and reminder that we can limit this damage if we commit to living differently."

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Each "Fish Tales" painting takes a cue from familiar legends of the sea as well as art history.  Byrd's 65 x 102" contemporary take on Géricault's "Raft of the Medusa"  fuses large sweeping gestures with bold brushwork, depicting the chaos of that fateful moment painted by the French Romantic.    Varying, spontaneous marks and shapes are grounded through a rich, limited palette which communicates both unbridled expression and structure.  On a smaller scale, "Sandbar" is a work on paper reflecting the swirling turbulence of stormy winds and waves as they erode the beach.  Pale, gentle washes are juxtaposed with Byrd's energetic, signature marks, creating a space that invites us to experience the splendor and dynamism of the ocean.

"Fish Tales" opens on March 4^th, 2023 at the Founders Gallery @ The Hub on Canal, 132 Canal Street, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and runs through March 26^th, 2023.  For more information,  contact Richard England at Richard.England4@gmail.com.

Byrd's art resides in numerous public and private collections.  To view more, visit  www.byronkeithbyrd.com.
Photo credit: Aaron Brandon Photography