Bird lovers: zebra finches playing guitars in sound art

The exhibition ‘from hear to ear’ by Céleste Boursier-Mougenot at MAAT in Lisbon introduces an intriguing sound art installation where zebra finches play electric guitars. This unique setup transforms birds into performers as they interact with approximately twenty guitars, creating sounds that fill the exhibition space. The installation is not just a visual spectacle but an auditory experience that challenges conventional perceptions of music and art.

By allowing visitors to immerse themselves in this harmonious blend of art and nature, the exhibition provides a fresh perspective on the symbiotic relationship between sound and environment. This striking show by the French artist continues to captivate audiences with its innovative approach to sound art until the end of August.

The installation for ‘from hear to ear’ consists of about twenty electric guitars arranged in a room and played by zebra finches. Visitors are invited to walk through the room as the birds interact with the instruments and produce sound. The setup treats the guitars as performance objects and positions the birds as performers within the exhibition space. The arrangement allows direct, close-range observation of the birds’ interaction with the electric guitars.

The exhibition is on view at MAAT in Lisbon and runs through the end of August. The work is by Céleste Boursier-Mougenot, an artist originally from Nice who now lives in Sète. The CDM post reporting the installation was authored by Peter Kirn. The article also references the artist’s other works, including Clinamen and perturbations, and other venues such as Park Avenue Armory, SFMOMA, and Bourse de Commerce.

Céleste Boursier-Mougenot is an artist originally from Nice, France, who now lives in Sète. He is the creator of the exhibition ‘from hear to ear’ currently presented at MAAT in Lisbon. The named works mentioned in reporting on the exhibition are ‘from hear to ear’, ‘Clinamen’, and ‘perturbations’. These titles appear in the article covering the installation. The CDM post covering the exhibition is authored by Peter Kirn.

‘From hear to ear’ is presented as an installation made of about twenty electric guitars played by zebra finches, and visitors are invited to walk through the room where the birds interact with the instruments. ‘Clinamen’ is described in the article as a mesmerizing, meditative work with floating bowls. ‘Perturbations’ is described in the article as a ghostly, enchanting work that directly engages the music object.

The article also references other venues where Boursier-Mougenot’s works have been shown, including Park Avenue Armory, SFMOMA, and Bourse de Commerce. The available sources do not provide this information.

The article references Park Avenue Armory in New York, SFMOMA, Bourse de Commerce, and the Peabody Essex Museum as venues that have displayed Céleste Boursier-Mougenot’s works. These mentions appear in the CDM post authored by Peter Kirn. The reporting lists these venues without providing dates or exhibition-specific details for those shows. The available sources do not provide this information.

The article highlights the Bourse de Commerce’s rotunda, stating that beneath the rotunda there is a remarkable architectural setting and unique acoustics. The wording in the report reads: ‘Perhaps the most striking realization is beneath the rotunda at Bourse de Commerce, which provides not only a remarkable architectural setting, but unique acoustics:’ No measurements, technical acoustic data, or expanded architectural descriptions are included in the reporting. The available sources do not provide this information.

oh my god it’s a room full of birds playing guitars!

Clinamen is a mesmerizing, meditative work with floating bowls, and another fan favorite.

I’ll leave you with more birds. I could really listen to this all day.

perturbations is a ghostly, enchanting work, as well, directly engaging the music object:

It’s a poor-quality video, but I include here just in the hopes that playing keyboards with your butt will catch on.

CONCLUSION

The exhibition ‘from hear to ear’ by Céleste Boursier-Mougenot is presented at MAAT in Lisbon and is on view through the end of August. The installation is composed of about twenty electric guitars that are played by zebra finches within a single room. Visitors to the exhibition are invited to walk through that room and observe the birds interacting with the instruments. The work treats the guitars as performance objects and places the bird performers within the exhibition space.

Céleste Boursier-Mougenot is originally from Nice, France, and is now based in Sète. The reporting on the exhibition names other works by the artist, including ‘Clinamen’ and ‘perturbations’. The article references venues that have displayed Boursier-Mougenot’s works, such as Park Avenue Armory, SFMOMA, Bourse de Commerce, and the Peabody Essex Museum. The published post about the exhibition on CDM Create Digital Music is authored by Peter Kirn.