Artist Willie Cole has been captivated by the sounds of bebop saxophonist and Kansas City icon Charlie “Bird” Parker since he was a child.
“My grandmother was a jazz fan, so before rock ‘n’ roll took over my life, I was a little kid listening to jazz,” Cole says.
Cole is the artist behind “Ornithology,” the striking saxophone bird sculptures suspended in the Kansas City International terminal that pay tribute to Parker. The installation—named after one of Parker’s most popular compositions—was constructed at the Boone Theater, blocks from where the saxophonist once lived in the 18th and Vine Jazz District.
When the New Jersey-based artist saw the call for artists for a public art installation at the new Kansas City terminal, he felt it was fitting to pitch a concept that would honor the bebop saxophonist. Known for his use of found objects and recycled materials, Cole has incorporated musical instruments into his work previously, including sculptures made out of pianos and guitars.
Also a flautist and guitarist himself, music influences Cole’s practice as a visual artist, channeling the spirit of improvisation and innovation.
“In bebop, musicians would take existing chord structures from popular songs from the swing era and write and improvise new melodies over those changes,” Cole says. “My work is that way. I’m taking existing objects and playing with them to create something new.”
Cole has an impressive portfolio, with pieces exhibited at prestigious museums including Washington D.C.’s National Gallery of Art and New York’s Museum of Modern Art and Whitney Museum of American Art. In Kansas City, you can find his work at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
Now, Cole has a new endeavor. The artist has partnered up with KC horn manufacturer B.A.C. Musical Instruments—the same company that fabricated the saxophones for Cole’s airport installation—to sell “Ornithology” miniatures. The small, brass-plated jazz birds can now be found at Made in KC stores and the American Jazz Museum for $50.
Although Cole’s contract with the airport has long since ended, his relationship with Kansas City endures. He opted to keep his studio in the West Bottoms because he’s drawn to “the energy and the history of the music,” he says. He now spends about a week each month in KC, where he continues to be inspired by the vibrant music scene and affordable workspaces.
“I learn freedom of expression from music,” Cole says.
GO: “Ornithology” miniatures are now available for purchase at Made in KC stores and the American Jazz Museum for $50.
Learn more at madeinkc.co and americanjazzmuseum.org.
