Civility is for the Birds: Mackenzie Kouba

Xcel Energy Gallery

In her latest series, Civility is for the Birds, local artist Mackenzie Kouba uses satire in richly layered, colorful compositions to illustrate some of today’s most relevant societal concerns. Kouba’s work is realized with a variety of materials – from oil paint on canvas to collage and assemblage. Reflecting on this recent and ongoing body of work, the artist states, “In the world in which we live, polarizing opinions have drowned out fact and logic from our dialogue. Civility is for the Birds reflects on our interactions in society and its parallels in nature and history. Through bright colors and whimsical imagery, these works are meant not to provide an answer to difficult questions; instead, they inspire the viewer to ask questions about the decisions we make and the positions we take, as individuals and as a society.”

Kouba received her BFA from NDSU in 2011. Her work has been exhibited in solo exhibitions at Upfront Gallery, Gallery14/DK Custom Framing, The Art Connection, and Rourke Museum. Kouba is a dedicated public arts advocate and co-operator of the collective art space Robert St. Studio in downtown Fargo.