A globe replaces the figure’s head, depicting an astrological map but with the names of these song birds replacing the names of the constellations.
Shonibare also explores ideas of colonialism and post-colonialism in this work. In this way, the bird catcher can be viewed as the coloniser on a failed civilising mission, whilst the fleeing birds symbolise the colonies that have broken free and become independent, despite attempts to shackle them.
Shonibare’s sculpture presents Papageno performing the impossible task of trapping nature, as all of his birds are escaping from their cages.
nspired by the story of Papageno, the bird catcher, in Mozart’s opera
to coincide with the 100th
nspired by the story of Papageno, the bird catcher, in Mozart’s opera "the Magic Flute" this sculpture was commissioned for Salzburg Museum to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Salzburg Festival of music and drama
Festival of music and drama
nspired by the story of Papageno, the bird catcher,
Inspired by the story of Papageno, the bird
anniversary of the Salzburg