Bird Sculpture

Have you ever seen a bird made of hay and steel? Here in Victoria Park, rising from the West Lake, sits the Bird Sculpture. A creation of Romanian artist Ernő Bartha, it’s a testament to the 2012 Cultural Olympiad. Initially intended as a temporary installation, the Bird Sculpture, along with its companion piece “Skyscraper”, has defied expectations and remained. These sculptures offer a unique blend of modern form and traditional materials. Bartha, hailing from Cluj, Transylvania, is known for his abstract hay sculptures. They bridge the gap between old and new, traditional and contemporary. The Bird Sculpture wasn’t just a random addition to the park. It was part of “Nature in the City”, a series of art projects. These projects, including the Bird Sculpture, were a gift from Romania to London during the Olympics. The Romanian Cultural Institute selected Bartha’s work after a national competition. Originally, there were three hay sculptures planned. The third, “Time Spiral”, met a less fortunate fate. Installed at Silvertown Quays, it was never displayed publicly. Shockingly, it was auctioned off in 2014, seemingly without Bartha’s consent. Its current whereabouts remain a mystery. Here in Victoria Park, the Bird Sculpture stands as a striking juxtaposition against the serene backdrop of the West Lake. It blends seamlessly with the Victorian-era park’s ornamental layout. These enduring sculptures serve as a reminder of the park’s role in the 2012 Olympics. They symbolize the connection between humanity and nature, a core principle of the “Nature in the City” project. The Bird Sculpture continues to grace Victoria Park, offering a unique and thought-provoking sight for all who visit.