40 wild birds play a Gibson Les Paul Guitar. Why not a Flying V?

This is fascinating for some reason; I’m not sure why.

I don’t know art, but I know what I like. An often-thought thought when I go to galleries is “What the hell is that?” Some art I just don’t understand. The pointlessness of some installations is, I think, intended to see just what we will accept as art. I refuse to play along with that kind of art. I don’t have a problem with the pointlessness of this installation. I don’t really know his deeper meaning, nor do I care. I just like birds playing guitar.

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I may have to set up my guitar outside and see if I can get the starlings to play. Maybe we could jam or collaborate on a tune together. That might be fun. Part of me, the Gibson-owner part, cringes at the thought. The Fender part of me relishes the thought that the Les Paul may now be a piece of art in and of itself. As birds do what birds do… if you know what I’m saying.

French artist Céleste Boursier-Mougenot creates works by drawing on the rhythms of daily life to produce sound in unexpected ways.

For his installation in The Curve, Boursier-Mougenot creates a walk-though aviary for a flock of zebra finches, furnished with electric guitars and other musical instruments. As the birds go about their routine activities, perching on or feeding from the various pieces of equipment, they create a captivating, live soundscape.

The Curve opens at the Barbican Art Gallery in London on February 27. Admission is free.

 Céleste Boursier-Mougenot
New commission for The Curve
27 February 2010 - 23 May 2010
The Curve Tickets: Free admission
Times: Open Daily 11am-8pm
Open late every Thu until 10pm