todd r. forsgren
If you keep up with 20×200, you might remember 27-year-old Todd R. Forsgren’s popular prints (large sizes still available here and here). I find these images so intriguing and beautiful, and was interested to read a little more background from Forsgren’s artist statement:
“Ornithologists now use mist nets instead of shotguns for data that cannot be obtained with the help of binoculars, microphones, or telephoto lenses. These nearly invisible nets are set up like fences and function as huge spider webs, catching unsuspecting birds. The researcher carefully extracts the bird from the net. Each bird is measured, aged, sexed, and banded with an individually numbered anklet… Then the bird is released, unharmed.”
Categories: art, photography
Responses to “todd r. forsgren”
modish
February 10, 2009 at 3:15 pmThese are a little hard to look at until you read the statement and know they’re safe and sound- I’ve seen these nets in real life at a bird observatory in Point Reyes, saw the researchers take the birds out gently, tag them, measure them and send them on their way! It’s pretty cool!
ellie
February 10, 2009 at 4:26 pmI couldn’t agree more! Reading the statement makes a big difference. The end of Todd’s explanation says “the birds inhabit a fascinating space between our framework of the bush and the hand. It is a fragile and embarrassing moment before they disappear back into the woods, and into data.” I like that he considers their embarrassment.
: )
Julia
February 10, 2009 at 5:55 pmI’m so glad they’re safe and sound! They look so delicate and beautiful!
margot
February 10, 2009 at 6:00 pmLove these photos, so very gorgeous! Nice find.