Ceci N'est Pas Un Oiseau

gauze screens, electrics and electronics, 1989-90

Ceci n'est pas un oiseau is a projection installation comprising a specially built animation projector and a system of four automated semi-transparent screens. The projector projects a looped series of images of a cockatoo in flight onto the four screens. These images were originally made by Edward Muybridge. The screens are moved by the action of six programmed, suspended fans.

Ceci n'est pas un oiseau is a deconstruction of the cinematic apparatus. It is simultaneously a discussion of the chains of signification created by modern image reproduction technologies. It is thirdly a discussion of Muybridges place in the historical process of quanitification (scientization) of the world.