Parrot Party

Artist:
Zara Pasfield (Australia)

Collaborators:
amigo and amigo: Christopher Daniel (Australia) / Samuel Dessen (Australia)

Parrot Party is not only an artwork, it’s a social event. A cheerful flock of brightly coloured birds perch on the staggered tiers of an open pavilion in the Royal Botanic Garden. They chatter, they tweet, chirp and sing, sending out a warm and inviting welcome to all those attending their party.

In creating these sociable birds the artists took inspiration from two iconic species, the native New Zealand kea parrot and the Australian rainbow lorikeet. They reinterpreted the natural form of the birds, creating a stylised shape using folding geometries. Each bird is made from frosted plastic in the bright hues of parrot plumage.

The parrots become very happy and excited when people gather around them, breaking into song and radiating colourful light. As the crowd around them increases, the parrots raise their voices in characteristic chatter, and the audience is treated to an array of kea and lorikeet calls.

This bright, theatrical work aims to highlight the similarities and friendship between Australia and New Zealand with reference to the unique and beautiful wildlife that resides in each country. Parrot Party is an interactive light and sound installation.

Country represented by installation: Australia