The GEight of Happy Sparrows

1961-1972

stuffed birds & mixed technique 100x75x100 cm

Dedicated to Daniel Varé

‘The Gate of Happy Sparrows’ is a book by Daniel Varé, Italian Ambassador to Beijing, set around one of Beijing’s old gates.
Here we see eight happy sparrows on a zebra crossing: a type of ‘gateway’ from one zone to another.
The sparrow is known for its cheerful gait, presenting a game between phonemes and signs - the play on ‘gait’, ‘gate’ and ‘G8’.

The image is also a homage to the Beatles’ famous crossing of Abbey Road.