We all know birds are musical creatures, but the finches at Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art are songbirds of a different kind.
In Celeste Bourgier-Mougenot’s artwork From here to ear (v.13) (Detail) 2010, dozens of finches flit between hanging structures made from coathangers, which surround delicate nests.
Their landings on these ‘instruments’ create a series of musical sounds that the artist says illustrate “you don’t need to control the sound to make nice music”.
It’s an extraordinary experience, stepping into the light and airy installation, watching the exceptionally pretty finches feed, fly, rest and make music.
Four Australian finch species inhabit the artwork – the zebra finch, Gouldian finch, black-throated finch and crimson finch. The artwork is supported by the Queensland Finch Society, and its volunteers care for the birds, alongside gallery staff.
The artistic instrument is part of the exhibition Sugar Spin: You, me, art and everything, which celebrates GoMA’s 10th anniversary.
Here are some more highlights of the exhibition.
Nervescape 2016 by Hrafnhildur Arnardottir
Nervescape 2016, Hrafnhildur Arnardottir. Image: QAGOMAA major new commission, featuring large-scale, multi-coloured landscape of synthetic hair.
Left/Right Slide 2010 by Carsten Holler
Left/Right Slide 2010, Carsten Holler. Image: QAGOMAThe much-loved slide spirals visitors from the top floor of the gallery to the bottom.
In bed 2005 by Ron Mueck
In bed 2005, Ron Mueck. Image: QAGOMAThis oversized woman will make you believe giants exist.
Pix-cell Double Deer#4 2010 by Kohei Nawa
Pix-cell Double Deer#4 2010, Kohei Nawa. Image: QAGOMASugar Spin ends on April 17, 2017.
* Featured image: A detail from Celeste Bourgier-Mougenot's artwork From here to ear (v.13) (Detail) 2010.
