Menagerie of Birds curated by Charlie Levine (2009)


In historical terms ‘Menagerie’ is used to describe the collection and captivity of exotic animals. It was defined in the Methodical Encyclopedia of 1782 as an ‘establishment of luxury and curiosity.’ For Menagerie of Birds curator Charlie Levine has bought together a collection of artists whose work encompasses the thoughts of captivity, luxury and curiosity represented through the image of the bird. From a subtle sound piece by Stuart Tait, books by Annabel Dover, paintings by Michelle Munn and Scott Robertson, a light drawing by David Miller, delicate cut outs by Claire Brewster, sculptures by Dicky Graham and a film piece by Harminder Singh Judge this show is certainly eclectic.

For the final hour of the preview Alex Lockett and Ian England supported by [insertspace] will host a Pigeon Party as part of Project Pigeon. Ian and Alex invite you to ‘come and celebrate the pigeon (especially theirs), dance to pigeon songs, eat speed cake, drink whisky and meet the birds.’

Menagerie of Birds seeks to combine various methods of artistic practice with Levine as the bird fancier as the first invited curator at Pitt Studio.

Project Pigeon is an art, curatorial and education project; Alex and Ian are keeping and racing pigeons, running workshops, holding open loft days, and exhibiting artworks carried by pigeon.

Curated by Charlie Levine at Pitt Studio, 62 Chestnut Walk, Worcester, WR1 1PR.


www.charlielevine.co.uk