Caged birds: the extinct birds in the drawings by Ralph Steadman
Caged birds: the extinct birds in the drawings by Ralph Steadman

Video: Caged birds: the extinct birds in the drawings by Ralph Steadman

Video: Caged birds: the extinct birds in the drawings by Ralph Steadman
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Ghosts of Gone Birds
Ghosts of Gone Birds

Within the framework of the museum project Ghosts of Gone Birds documentary filmmaker Ceri Levy invited the world's leading artists to depict representatives of bird species that have become extinct due to human oversight. Proved himself more actively than others Ralph Steadman, who, in response to Levy's letter, sent him over a hundred bright and original drawings.

One of Ralph Steadman's cartoon birds
One of Ralph Steadman's cartoon birds

The project "Ghosts of Extinct Birds" was born from another, as yet unrealized, - The Bird Effect … This is a documentary that Levy has been working on for several years. Studying the complex system of relationships between man and our smaller brothers, Levi wanted to arrange a special exhibition dedicated to the dodo, the wandering pigeon and other birds that were exterminated by man.

Dodo. Drawing by Ralph Steadman
Dodo. Drawing by Ralph Steadman

Along with Stedman, many other famous cultural figures responded to Levy's call. Canadian writer Margaret Atwood personally embroidered the image of the wingless auk - a large bird that was widespread in the Atlantic Ocean until the 16th century, and then completely destroyed as a result of hunting. Prominent Pop Art contributor and well-known cover author for The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Peter Blake painted a grim picture called Dead as a Dodo, with a long list taking up most of the canvas. exterminated species.

Wingless auk. Drawing by Ralph Steadman
Wingless auk. Drawing by Ralph Steadman

Ralph Stedman set to work on his series by creating images of the Japanese heron, the wingless auk and the giant New Zealand moa ostrich. Following this, he wrote to Levy: "I could draw a few more. Working on these birds is a real pleasure!" As a result, a huge cycle has turned out, which the director and artist have already decided to publish as a separate book - it will be entitled "Extinct Boids" … Boids (distorted "birds") - this is how Steadman used to call his feathered "heroes".

One of Ralph Steadman's extinct boids
One of Ralph Steadman's extinct boids

Among the previous achievements of Stedman are illustrations for one of the publications "Alice in Wonderland" Lewis Carroll (one of whose heroes, by the way, is the extinct prince dodo, or Dodo) and the cult book by Hunter S. Thompson "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas". Extinct Boids is an experienced artist's step towards a more serious subject. At the same time, Steadman's caricature birds do not look too "scientific", like illustrations from a textbook, and do not seem sentimental, like watercolors Dean Cruiser … However, these amusing drawings once again remind viewers of the burden of responsibility to nature, which rests on each person.

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