earthlingA total hoot! Beautiful birds – in pictures
From fluffy owlets to rosy-hued flamingos, Claire Rosen’s portraits of live birds took her on a journey that touched on colonialism, wallpaper design … and chickens
#Budgerigars, 2015
Nature is at the centre of Claire Rosen’s creative process: ‘I was drawn to animals from a young age, their presence sparking a deep curiosity and fondness that have carried into my art.’ The series began with her own parakeet and some colourful domestic parrots. ‘I persuaded a bird shop to let me photograph its birds in a makeshift portrait studio in their lobby. One by one, I paired birds with backgrounds, aiming to complement their colours. The process was enthralling’
Nature is at the centre of Claire Rosen’s creative process: ‘I was drawn to animals from a young age, their presence sparking a deep curiosity and fondness that have carried into my art.’ The series began with her own parakeet and some colourful domestic parrots. ‘I persuaded a bird shop to let me photograph its birds in a makeshift portrait studio in their lobby. One by one, I paired birds with backgrounds, aiming to complement their colours. The process was enthralling’
Lady Amherst Pheasant, 2018
Few things have captivated the human imagination quite like our avian friends. A new book showcases 120 colour portraits of live birds, photographed on location against opulent backgrounds. Highlighting the individuality of each bird, these images reveal personalities as vivid as their plumage.
Hyacinth Macaw, 2012
Parrots are intelligent animals that need proper care and companionship or their mental state deteriorates. Sadly, many birds are surrendered to shelters when their owners become unable or unwilling to care for them.
Java Sparrow, 2017
After learning about the challenges these birds face, Claire began to see the wallpaper as a symbol of the man-made interiors these birds inhabit when we acquire them as pets. Though the birds might appear to be in harmony with their carefully curated background, it is a far cry from the environments they call home. The series reflects a long historical tradition in which nature has been transformed into objects for our own enjoyment and pleasure, for decoration and status.
After learning about the challenges these birds face, Claire began to see the wallpaper as a symbol of the man-made interiors these birds inhabit when we acquire them as pets. Though the birds might appear to be in harmony with their carefully curated background, it is a far cry from the environments they call home. The series reflects a long historical tradition in which nature has been transformed into objects for our own enjoyment and pleasure, for decoration and status.
American Goshawk, 2021
The use of Victorian wallpaper motifs references an era when Europe unleashed colonisation across the globe and, with it, the brutal domination of faraway places, creatures and cultures. As ‘discoveries’ were displaced to Europe and the Americas, they fuelled aviary collection and display as part of an impulse to collect and catalogue the natural world.
Galah Cockatoo, 2012
Though his name is synonymous with bird conservation today, Audubon himself was responsible for the deaths of thousands of birds – all sacrificed in the name of art and knowledge. There were voices that advocated a different way of being with and representing birds.
Greater Flamingo, 2017
The series expanded as Rosen encountered different birds all over the world. ‘In Dubai, I was introduced to the fascinating world of falconry. In South Africa, I was captivated by owls at a rescue centre. In Jordan, I marvelled at fancy pigeons, pheasants and a dazzling white peacock. Florida brought me beautifully hued but indifferent flamingos, and a Pennsylvania falconer provided an elusive goshawk and a pair of the fluffiest wide-eyed owlets.
Lanner Falcon, 2021
‘Each encounter reaffirmed the thrill of connecting with animals through my art. Whether capturing the elegance of a falcon or the playful antics of a backyard duck, I feel fortunate to share time with these creatures, allowing their natural behaviour to inspire and guide my work’
African Penguin, 2021
‘I’ve come to think of the process as a collaboration, with both parties contributing their own special magic unlocked by mutual trust. These images are an invitation to explore the interior lives of these exquisite creatures, and how they fit into our own pursuit of home, happiness and diversion’
English Pouter Pigeon, 2018
Nature is the original and enduring muse.This interplay of subject and setting invites reflection on themes of beauty, domestication and the human impulse to collect and classify the natural world.
Blue Americanus Chicken, 2019
Understanding the impact of our modern world on these creatures is the motivation that drives this work. All of these species are impacted by human society, whether inadequate care in captivity, habitat loss, light pollution, illegal trapping, chemical and plastic pollution, animal testing, or the brutality of factory farming.
Duck, 2020
‘I have seen the deep connection and care that we can have for non-human creatures and how our empathy can extend to the most unusual of animals. But modern society has made it incredibly difficult to avoid doing harm to creatures that we would never wish to hurt. I hope my photographs can be part of the conversation about how we can preserve, protect and restore our natural environment and its inhabitants.
