From the forests of New Guinea to paintings by the great masters of the Northern school, a fascinating journey following the trail of birds-of-paradise, flamboyant creatures that have captivated the world for five centuries.
This exhibition traces the circulation of feathers and depictions of birds-of-paradise, enchanting artist-birds native to the lush forests of New Guinea. Coveted, contemplated, and a source of inspiration, these spectacular creatures have crossed eras and continents. Bringing together nearly 190 works—including adornments, paintings, taxidermy specimens, fashion pieces and accessories, objets d’art, and illustrated books—the exhibition combines perspectives from natural history, art, ethnology, fashion, and ecology. It sheds light on how these birds have been collected, depicted, admired, or transformed over time in Oceania, Asia, and Europe. Developed in collaboration with scientists, academics, and artists from New Guinea, the exhibition presents contemporary local perspectives. It invites us to rethink our relationships with living beings and knowledge in light of this century’s pressing challenges, and to discover these radiant feathers from a fresh perspective.
Admission: From 0 to 14 euros.
Source: paris.fr — photo: Museon, The Hague © Collection Museon-Omniversum The Hague