By Bruce Helander
In an historic first, Mnuchin Gallery in New York City is exhibiting six of Frank Stella’s constructions titled “Indian Birds,” prompted by his 1977 trip to Ahmedabad, India, as well as the renowned innovator’s fascinating archival drawings and maquettes for this memorable series. It is one of the most beautiful exhibitions in Manhattan during the fall art season, and the presentation, which focuses on a singular body of work, illuminates Stella’s singularly intricate and multi-layered artistic process right from the get-go. It also is a particularly enjoyable and fascinating revelation to view an artist’s initial drawings and scale models alongside the finished larger works, as it is a delightful insight into Stella’s modus operandi.