High Society by Leila Jeffreys
A series that explores the close, symbiotic bond between birds and trees.
Following the Budgerigar series, which also became her first solo exhibition in Australia, photographic artist Leila Jeffreys presents a new collection of colorful portraits and photos centered around the budgerigar, or the parakeet. High Society features a series of large-format photos as well as a three-panel video art piece.
“High Society is the result of more than five years of planning and commitment; a pledge to making the impossible possible. It began when I noticed how a flock of native Australian budgerigars look like leaves on a tree. Looking closer I saw individuals, couples, and families – a secret High Society,” says Leila Jeffreys.
The series explores the symbiotic relationship between birds and trees, a bond on which their survival depends. Taken from their natural environment, over 300 parakeets become main characters in the artist’s photos, seemingly transforming into colorful leaves. The photos also seem to capture different seasons, depending on the birds’ plumage. “High Society serves as a visual reminder to leave wild places for these other societies to enjoy, as well as our own,” adds the artist. The High Society show opened at Olsen Gallery in Sydney on October 17 and closed on November 10, 2019. From November 13, you can admire the photos at the Olsen Gruin gallery New York, where the exhibition runs until January 6, 2020. Photographs© Leila Jeffreys.
