Of Cages and Feathers

Kristin Schnell’s book “Of Cages and Feathers,”, presents birds in captivity as a symbol of the cage that humans tend to put themselves in.

Clear the stage for the feathered symbols of freedom!

Renowned German photographer Kristin Schnell has moved from the bustling city of Berlin to the peaceful countryside in northern Germany. Living in a remote house with a large garden surrounded by nature, she observes the dramatic decline of bird populations, exacerbated by industrial agriculture. Confronted by this issue daily, she delves into understanding it more deeply. Her impressions inspired her to create a unique photo studio in her aviary, capturing the birds' interactions within these crafted, artificial environments. The result is Of Cages and Feathers — an impressive, profound photobook.

Bird decline is causing severe disruptions to ecosystems worldwide, as birds play key roles as pollinators, seed dispersers, and pest controllers. The loss of these functions results in increased pesticide and insecticide use in agriculture, further endangering human and environmental health. One study from the USA estimates that Europe lost approximately 300 million breeding pairs between 1980 and 2016, while the US saw a loss of three billion birds. Additionally, research from the Max Planck Institute has shown that birdsong can reduce anxiety and irrational thoughts. During the COVID-19 pandemic, interest in birdwatching and feeding increased significantly worldwide.

In response to these issues, Schnell has taken proactive steps in her own backyard, planting her garden intensively and noticing an increase in bird nesting activity. As more people reach out with requests to care for birds in need, she has expanded her aviary to house up to 40 birds, including rescues. Building close bonds with these birds, she began photographing them in her aviary, creating a photo studio with mirrors, colorful flowers, and other elements. Through her lens, she captures the interplay of colors, shapes, sunlight, wind, and bird movements, using song titles by jazz legend Charlie Parker as image titles.

These photographs are vibrant and diverse, reflecting the birds’ social dynamics and revealing parallels to human society. As Schnell states, “It’s not just about the birds in my pictures; it’s more about the relationship between them and us — and ultimately, our relationships with one another.” Her photobook advocates for a greater appreciation of both human and animal counterparts, promoting respect and empathy.

Kristin Schnell was born in Germany in 1968 and has worked as a freelance photographer since 1995. Her work has been widely published and exhibited internationally. Most recently, she was selected as one of the Top 200 in Critical Mass 2024 by Photolucida.

Kristin Schnell
Of Cages and Feathers
Texts by Hans Pfeifer
Designed by Jana Neff, Juno Hamburg
Hardcover
24×32cm
128 pages
71 color illustrations
German English
ISBN 978-3-96900-180-6