Zettwoch Shares Illustrated, Extinct Birds in Weil Project Wall Installation

Dan Zettwoch, BFA ’99, lecturer in the Sam Fox School’s MFA in Illustration & Visual Culture program, has a new series on view in Weil Hall.

“Boom!” is a series of eight American birds that have gone extinct since the publication of John James Audubon’s “Birds of America (1827-1838).” The screenprints are lenticular, meaning they move or animate as you change your position. The works mix historical ornithological art from naturalist field guides and scientific illustrations with modern graphic languages reminiscent of fluorescent gig posters and cereal box cartoon characters.

Zettwoch is a cartoonist, information designer, and printmaker. In addition to many self-published zines and handcrafted mini-comics, his graphic novels include “Birdseye Bristoe,” “Amazing Facts & Beyond,” and “Missouri Weird & Wonderful.” His self-described “goofball illustrations and jam-packed diagrams” have been seen in the Missouri History Museum, Missouri State Museum at the State Capitol, and in homemade screenprints commemorating local birds, baseball, and strange foods. His work was featured throughout St. Louis when he designed the 60th anniversary Imo’s Pizza box, which the local restaurant chain also offered as a collectible print.

To create the installation, Zettwoch did a lot of research followed by sketching and creating a finished drawing of each species he chose: the Great Auk, Carolina Parakeet, Eskimo Curlew, Bachmann’s Warbler, Heath Hen, Passenger Pigeon, Labrador Duck, and Ivory-Billed Woodpecker. He then made three-color prints of each using fluorescent and metallic inks and mounted them to wooden “zigzag” frames.

Asked if he had a favorite, Zettwoch said that the woodpecker was his initial favorite, in part because Woody Woodpecker was his favorite cartoon growing up. “As I learned more,” he said, “the Passenger Pigeon and the Heath Hen were really incredible.” Zettwoch described how Passenger Pigeons used to be the most plentiful bird in North America, passing overhead by the millions. The series’ namesake, “Boom!” comes from the Heath Hen, as the male would make a loud, boom sound during the mating ritual.

The Weil Project Wall, located just inside the north and west entrances to Weil Hall, features commissioned works by Sam Fox School alumni. With new work on view as often as semi-annually, the space is generously supported by Anabeth and John Weil.

“Boom!” is on view now through December 2024. Zettwoch will discuss the series at a reception and artist talk Tuesday, November 12, at 5:00 p.m. in Weil Hall Commons.