Call for participation – Deceased canaries for art installation

We are seeking canaries that have died of natural causes, including during the breeding process, from illness, or of old age. Birds of any age or variety are welcome.

Although we are based in Johannesburg and Cape Town, we can arrange collections from across South Africa. The birds will be entrusted to a professional taxidermist and respectfully preserved for a contemporary art installation.

We are hoping to have 10 to 15 birds for the opening in November, with additional birds being added to the installation over the following year.

We understand that this is an unusual request and appreciate the sensitivities involved. The birds will be treated with care and respect, allowing them to be honoured through a public artwork.

With your permission, we can acknowledge your contribution in the artwork’s accompanying write-up, which will appear alongside the installation.

If you are willing to participate:

Should a bird in your care die, please handle it as gently as possible. Take care not to compress, bend or damage the body. Place the bird in a sealed, airtight bag, such as a Ziploc bag, removing as much air as possible, and store it in the freezer.

Please contact us as soon as possible so that we can arrange collection.

Thank you for your time and consideration. We would be very grateful for any assistance you can offer.

CONTACT

Lily van Rensburg
079-091-1905
vanrensburg.lily@gmail.com

Haroon Gunn-Salie
082-450-9277
gunnsalie@gmail.com