Blue Sky Thinking - Curators Talk

Part of the Northern Ireland Science Festival.

The Ulster Museum collection continues to be formed around the ideas and innovations emerging in contemporary art. Join curator Anne Stewart to hear about new acquisition Blue Sky Thinking (2019) by artist Patrick Goddard (born 1984). Blue Sky Thinking is a sculpture installation of one hundred and eighty ring-necked parakeets made from re-cycled lead from London roofs. A non-indigenous species, the parakeet has become naturalised in England, particularly in the parks and gardens of London, where its vivid plumage and alien screeching creates an exotic if increasingly familiar presence. 

The work addresses the scale and immediacy of climate emergency and explores themes of migration and naturalisation. The individuality and presence of each bird cumulatively gives the work a disturbing and mesmeric quality.

The Ulster Museum has been awarded the ‘We’re Good to Go’ industry standard mark, certifying that we are adhering to the respective Government and public health guidance, have carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment and have the required processes in place.

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IMAGE CREDIT: BELUM.U2020.4, Blue Sky Thinking, 2019, Patrick Goddard, © Patrick Goddard and Seventeen, London, Ulster Museum Collection