Created by an ex-prop artist and interior stylist who goes by the name of Veronique, these unexpected images of embroidered live pigeons were created using the AI software Midjourney.
In an effort to remove the stigma from the unwelcome feathered city visitors, Veronique changes the appearance of common carrier and domestic pigeons from their usual grey and iridescent feathers into what look like living pieces of art. Their bodies and wings embellished with various styles of embroidery including pearls and more.
AI Embroidered Live Pigeons
In her instagram post in which she shares these images, the artist writes:
“Embroidered animals attract attention. That’s good because city pigeons have a very tough life and our perception of them needs to change. As perpetually hungry pedestrians, they roam the city and must feed on garbage. They are unwelcome everywhere and are often chased away or subjected to direct and indirect violence with the aim to kill them.
Domestic and carrier pigeons are descendants of rock pigeons. City pigeons come from lost carrier and domestic pigeons. They are not wild animals. It’s due to humans that pigeons ended up in cities.
If a pigeon is sick or injured, it can’t expect compassion. Nobody cares. The belief that pigeons spread diseases excessively transmissible to humans is a myth. They don’t spread more diseases than other animals. Disgust and fear are exaggerated.
Selective breeding leads to unnatural reproduction rates. City pigeons are not to blame for this; humans are originally responsible.
Pigeon droppings are not as damaging to materials as commonly claimed.
Why do people find it easy to feel compassion for stray dogs and cats, but not for pigeons? Treat them kindly. They are not responsible for their situation. Humans are responsible for the plight of city pigeons.
Supervised pigeon houses in the city can significantly improve the situation and living conditions of pigeons. They have a designated place, disappear from the cityscape, and receive appropriate food. Since they spend most of their time there, most droppings end up there. Eggs can be replaced with gypsum eggs to prevent excessive breeding. Pigeons are highly social and intelligent animals. They live monogamously and usually stays together for the rest of their life.
They are sentient beings who don’t deserve to be treated poorly. In RL they don’t need an embroidery to be beautiful. They are beautiful like the way they are. 🕊️🐦🫶”
Photo Sources:
erna-graff-stiftung.de/tauben/
respektieretauben.de/
hamburgerstadttauben.de/
strassentaube-und-stadtleben.de/
Follow her at @ai___vvdb/
images courtesy of artist Veronique