Spark birds are birds that hold special meaning to you; most people have one. The international group exhibition Spark Birds & the Loneliness of Species brings together work by artists who celebrate the mysterious appeal of birds and are interested in their artistic potential from a historical, ecological or decolonial perspective. They wonder if birds can help us break free from our entrenched anthropocentric notions and point us in the direction of new ways to live together more sustainably on a depleted planet. What can we learn from them about current topics such as migration and identity? Can they provide deeper insight into our human condition?

After Trouble wandering (to eternity), an exhibition about the flood that hit the estate in 2021, Spark Birds & the Loneliness of Species is the second exhibition in a new chapter at Kasteel Wijlre estate, in which we look through the lens of artists at the relationship between man and nature. The exhibition takes place in the Hedge House and the surrounding grounds of the estate, alongside a simultaneous solo exhibition in the Coach House by Daniel Godínez Nivón (MX, 1985). His exhibition focuses on real and fictitious flowers, plants and birds.

The exhibition runs until 3 December 2023. During the the exhibition, Kasteel Wijlre estate offers a public programme, including bird walks, guided tours, perfomances and artist talks. Keep an eye on our newsletter, socials and this website for the programming.

Participating artists: Sophie Barber (UK, 1996), Kasper Bosmans (BE, 1990), Petrit Halilaj (XK, 1986), Minne Kersten (NL, 1993), Kerry James Marshall (US, 1955), Louisiana van Onna (NL, 1995), Lin May Saeed (DE, 1973), Maaike Schoorel (NL, 1973), Thomas Swinkels (NL, 1988), Oussama Tabti (DZ, 1988), Guido van der Werve (NL, 1977) and Luuk Wilmering (NL , 1957).

Kasteel Wijlre estate is grateful for the financial support of our partners: Province of Limburg, Municipality of Gulpen-Wittem, Elisabeth Strouven Fund, Prince Bernhard Culture Fund and Fonds 21