Henrik Håkansson: Three days of the condor
29 September - 11 November 2007
Birds have long held a fascination for Swedish artist Henrik Håkansson. For his first major exhibition in the UK, at Kettle’s Yard, he presented new and recent works about birds whose survival is endangered.
In this exhibition, Håkansson explored their isolation, vulnerability and beauty. In film, sound works and sculptural installations, he combined scientific systems of observation and communication with a visual language that frequently made reference to popular film and music culture.
Critically endangered species such as the California Condor, Gurney’s Pitta and Spix’s Macaw became points of focus for an exploration of the ways we observe, represent and relate to the natural world. On the brink of extinction in the wild, these are some of the loneliest birds in the world.
Håkansson’s carefully pitched work preserved and translated a vivid sense of the birds into the context of the gallery. It also acknowledged the complex economic, social and political challenges involved in our continued co-existence.
Organised with the help of BirdLife International, The Modern Institute and Ventana Wildlife Society. Supported by The Elephant Trust and Arts Council England.
