Concert of Birds

While the “Concert of Birds” concept originated in the middle ages, it was popularized in the 1600’s by Frans Snyder and further refined by other artists, including Melchior d’Hondecoeter, the main inspiration behind my works in this series. Melchior was a master at painting live birds. Composed of an owl and a musical score, along with a wide selection of birds fidgeting in avian activity, these pieces often featured exotic species such as the Australian Cockatoo and Cassowary. Popular amongst aristocrats, these artworks related directly to the social, political and economic domination of the Dutch in the Golden Age. Drawing inspiration from these masterpieces and at the same time, moved by the 2021 Bowerbird Collective’s “Songs of Disappearance” (bird song of threatened birds), my photographic series “Concert of Birds” recontextualizes the earlier concept to feature Australia’s unique birdlife that is now threatened with extinction. Recent studies suggest that at least one in six birds are now facing this risk. Steeped in Australia’s rich natural heritage, my photographic work celebrates the beauty of this unique island continent. By creating a visual language around the biodiversity crisis, I highlight the importance of documenting, protecting and recovering Australia’s threatened species.