My latest 'lunch hour art' trip involved a flock of Zebra Finches and a selection of musical instruments. This would be Celeste Boursier-Mougenot's 'The Wire' exhibition at the barbican.
The sporadic sounds of electric guitar and symbol combined with the bird song of 40 finches makes for an interesting soundtrack as you enter the exhibition via the dark entrance.
Once inside you can see the free flying finches hop from instrument to instrument while the amplifiers and microphones pick up the birds movements to produce a unique jammin session. Everyone from the ages of 6-60 seemed to be enjoying the show; I was unsure whether their enjoyment came from the live music or from the privilege of being very close to these delicate, tame creatures.
"Celeste intended it to appeal to different senses."
It seems that modern art however does not stop the fundamental social nature of the birds. The males had chosen both their mate and their instrument and would run up and down the strings in an aggressive show of territorial defence. The video has been a big hit on YouTube but this exhibition is quite special and - in my opinion worth a visit.
Céleste Boursier-Mougenot at the barbican
27 February 2010 - 23 May 2010
