Luminous Birds animates a flock of origami-style birds suspended overhead. As night falls, synchronised lighting sequences and music create the effect of birds flying overhead. The action of many birds, flocking together, is one of natures most amazing phenomena – an ultimate act of cooperation, hundreds moving together in harmony. The birds are folded in a traditional origami style and arranged in long lines, with the wing positions of each bird slightly different to create a sequence similar to stop-motion animation, accompanied by spatialised sounds composed from distorted pianos and bells.

Originally commissioned by Kidderminster Arts Festival 2015, with sound commissioned by Cryptic 2016. Software programmed by Matthew Olden

Kathy Hinde is an interdisciplinary artist whose practice embraces open methods and evolving processes to nurture a more embodied connection to other species and the earth’s systems. Composed of hand-made objects, electronics and a blend of digital and analogue systems, her work represents a cross between kinetic sound sculptures and newly invented instruments.

She frequently works in collaboration with other practitioners and scientists. Kathy is a member of Bristol Experimental Expanded Film (BEEF) and a resident at the Pervasive Media Studio, Bristol. She received an Ivor Novello Award for Sound Art in 2020.