Heard: Herd

Exhibition Info
Broad Street Studio
Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building
An installation by PAFA alum Ian Butz (MFA ’25)

Heard: Herd provides viewers an opportunity to experience being part of a bison herd and by doing so, grasp the cultural importance of bison, historically and today. Bison are tremendously beneficial to the environment and plains ecosystem. In addition to environmental benefits, rehoming and re-establishing bison in the wild allows Native Americans to reclaim part of their spirituality and strength as Indigenous Nations. 

Acrylic on translucent PVC fabric with a transcendent, multi-sided experience, the Bison paintings were largely inspired by Ian’s personal travels to Montana, Utah, Wyoming, and South Dakota in 2025. The installation showcases landscapes as a visual narrative tool, evoking the atmospheric, otherworldly nature of being out West as a traveler. 

Ian would like to acknowledge the support from PAFA’s Fine Arts Venture Fund and the Murray Dessner Travel Award for providing funding for travel and materials for the exhibition.


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Featured [Use either Artwork or Image]: "Heard: Herd", an installation by Ian Butz, 2026

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