About the Exhibition

Flora and Fauxna 

Since the 1900’s “bird” has been used as slang to refer to women, often materially obsessed yet physically beautiful women.

Following the demise of the Anonymous Woman, Patty Carroll has forsaken her mannequins and models and replaced them with birds. Various feathered figurines stand in as a metaphorical substitute. In their natural habitat, birds camouflage themselves in their tree homes, they sing, but remain invisible as they go about their business of feeding, fending off predators and teaching their young. Their camouflage is survival. In these installation, colorful fabric, artificial flowers and other household baubles create a sumptuous, patterned, and ornate world. This world mirrors the home life of birds in nature while symbolizing the nesting instincts of women whose homes are a sanctuary of pride and obsession.

“Using artificial decorative objects that mimic the natural world is a way of domesticating and controlling the wild by bringing it into the home. We have long traditions of controlling nature, for instance the suburban lawn is the presentation of one’s home and prestige. Nothing can be out of place; no weeds, no brown spots, no holes. Huge industries are devoted to making the perfect lawn, which is usually the domain of men. Inside the home, house plants, drapery, furniture and decorative objects are often the world of the woman”. – Patty Carroll (@pattyphotosnaps)