Lockett and England’s practice is centred around collaboration with constituencies on the edge of society. This, coupled with their interests in nature’s relationship with culture, as well as traditional and contemporary modes of communication, makes pigeon keeping the perfect vehicle for their investigations.
After twelve months of research with local pigeon racing clubs, the artists have built a loft from reclaimed materials, in which to keep their own brood. The loft echoes those they have visited, with additional features borrowed from past traditions: the red and white perches and colourful exterior mimic the pigeon lofts from a time when it was thought pigeons were attracted home by the brightly coloured patterns.
Fifteen pigeons have been kindly donated to the artists by local pigeon breeders, which Lockett & England will train and enter into races with the Aston & District Flying Club. A GPS system will be used to track one of the pigeons, giving an insight into their fascinating ability to return home.
In addition to the public programme, the artists will run workshops for participants in the Birmingham Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Programme throughout May and June. The group will learn about all aspects of pigeon keeping, whilst helping train the birds to race fitness.
A publication will be launched in November as part of The Event, to document this multi-faceted project, with additional contributions by artists, workshop participants and pigeon fanciers.
Live opening event 6.30pm, Thurs 27th August 2009
Exhibition continues Thursday - Sunday 1-6pm
28th August - 6th September
Artists' Talk, 7pm Saturday 5th September*
Alex Lockett and Ian England will give a talk about their experience of pigeon fancying, racing, club life, Pictorial, and art.
The Rea Garden, Floodgate Street, Digbeth, Birmingham.
Pictorial is an exhibition of artworks carried by Project Pigeon birds. The pigeons will carry commissioned artworks in World War II message tubes, from various liberation points along the Royal Pigeon Racing Association race route.
Back in Digbeth, the exhibition will be constructed as each pigeon returns to the loft. The audience will receive a race card and will be able to bet on which bird will have the highest velocity for the chance to win a syndicate in a Project Pigeon bird, a lucky charm, a speed cake, pigeon memorabilia or other pigeon prizes.
Visit www.flickr.com/photos/pigeonproject for recent photographs.
Many thanks to Aston Pigeon Flying Club for their invaluable support, guidance and fun.
Alex & Ian will be liberating their pigeons from Victoria Square, Birmingham, for Artsfest on Friday 11th September.
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