Bluebird Burden, Cindy Loehr 2004
collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

still images and audio from the installation

3-channel audio in collaboration with Carlos Lama, garland, chicken-wire, mdf, internal speakers, overall dimensions variable. center sculpture: 38" H x 43" W x 55"D on base 97" x 15" x 15", left/right sculptures: 36" H x 38" W x 55" D on base 83" x 15" x 15"

Bluebird Burden confronts the audience directly with questions of despair and loneliness. The lyrics are written by the artist. Vocalist Carlos Lama composed and sang the melody, three versions for the three birds. The songs are broadcast through speakers in each bird's head.


(excerpt from lyrics)

we aren't pretending
that we are not empty
we are only vessels
delivering these words

why must you pretend
that you are not empty
holding the weight
of past and future pain