Blue-Eyed Cockatoo No. 7212, Birds of a Feather

2012
Archival Pigment Photograph
36
x
24
in

Signed and editioned on recto. Signed, titled, dated and editioned on certificate of authenticity.

Available in 3 sizes:

18 x 12 inches (edition of 15)

36 x 24 inches (edition of 7)

60 x 40 inches (edition of 5)


In Birds of a Feather, Claire Rosen photographs live birds against opulent, historically inspired backdrops, creating portraits that sit somewhere between natural history, decorative art, and contemporary photography. In Blue-Eyed Cockatoo No. 7212, the bird’s elegant white plumage and expressive crest are set against Damask Motif Paper, whose formal patterning gives the image a sense of refinement, balance, and quiet grandeur.

The blue-eyed cockatoo is named for the vivid blue ring of skin around its eyes, a striking detail that distinguishes it from other white cockatoos. The bird appears alert and composed, its soft coloration and sculptural presence creating a portrait that feels both delicate and commanding.

Rosen’s process is rooted in patience, close observation, and respect for the birds she photographs. These are not digitally composited images; the artist brings her carefully selected wallpapers and textile backdrops to the birds, photographing them in front of the chosen setting in real time. Rather than forcing a pose, Rosen allows each bird’s natural movements, gestures, and personality to guide the image, capturing moments when the subject appears calm, alert, and fully itself. The result is a layered meditation on beauty, individuality, and the long human impulse to admire and understand the natural world. In keeping with the spirit of the project, a percentage of the artist’s profits from the series will be donated to charity.