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5:30 PM-7:30 PM,

Bird Walk

Garden Tour & Art Installation | Bird Watching and Sculpture Spotting

  • West 87th Street Garden & Park, New York, NY

  • English
  • Free

© Matthias Garff. Courtesy the artist.

© Matthias Garff. Courtesy of the artist.

Join us for this special Bird Walk, during which artist Matthias Garff (currently in residency at the International Studio and Curatorial Program) will showcase his bird sculptures—a new body of work created during his residency. Garff’s sculptures depict various bird species that live among us—often unnoticed, yet closely connected to our shared environment. Created from found materials, the works are the result of five months of close observation of NYC’s birdlife. During this event, participants will scout out Garff's sculptures installed in situ in the West 87th Street Garden & Park, while also spotting real birds in their habitats.

This is a one-afternoon-only outdoor installation and a unique opportunity to experience Garff’s birds in their natural habitat. Everyone who spots all the hidden species will receive a small reward!

This event will also include a guided tour by Garff together with Hannah Kirshenbaum, avid birder and founder of NYC Queer Birders.

This event is presented in collaboration with NYC Queer Birders and the Goethe-Institut New York, with support from ISCP (International Studio & Curatorial Program) and the Kulturstiftung des Freistaates Sachsen.

Please Note:
  • No registration is required for this event.
  • No supplies or equipment are necessary, but feel free to bring along binoculars or cameras if you wish.
  • In case of rain, the event will be canceled.

Participants

Matthias Garff

Based in Leipzig, Germany, Matthias Garff transforms discarded materials into animal sculptures, exploring the abundance and fragility of wildlife in urban environments. Often larger than life, his sculptures celebrate the diversity around us, addressing themes of biodiversity, evolution, and our use of resources. His work has been exhibited at institutions such as the Museum der Bildenden Künste Leipzig, Germany; Staatsgalerie Stuttgart, Germany; House of Arts in Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic; and the National Museum of Natural History, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, among others. 

Hannah Kirshenbaum

Hannah Kirshenbaum is an avid birder and lifelong lover of the natural world. In 2020 they founded NYC Queer Birders as a way to cultivate community and explore the natural world of New York City with LGBTQIA+ bird-lovers. Through all the seasons, Hannah leads educational birding events in all five boroughs and beyond. They encourage and welcome all bird enthusiasts, regardless of experience. Hannah's favorite bird is a Ruby-crowned kinglet because they are so adorable and you're lucky if you get to see their ruby crown!

Related links

  • ISCP