The response to danger does not lead to chaos or cacophony, but rather reaffirms the unity of the birds which cannot be told apart, instinctively responding as one body. The graceful, coordinated movement, reminiscent of ritual bowing during prayer, is a surprising response to unknown danger and threat. Although the birds learn the danger and respond to it, the response remains the same: time and again the flamingos bow before an incomprehensible danger whose origin and repercussions are unknown, forthwith reverting to normalcy, until the next time.

The video has an additional, surprising, reading. Without any additional background information to go on, the viewer must rely solely on his own sense perceptions and customary modes of interpretation. But nothing is as it seems. In fact, the sounds of shooting were never heard on the grounds of the zoo. The birds’ behaviour consisted of reactions to the movements of the artist, who communicated with them directly.
It was not until the post-production phase that the artist linked acoustic and visual impulses to evoke the impression of a causal relationship. Given this information, the viewer gains access to a new level of meaning that questions his reflexive thoughts and actions and shifts the focus to the means employed in the construction of reality.

Nira Pereg (1969) was born in Israel. Lives and works in Israel and Germany.

Less Reading...