Murmuration: Unity, Interconnectedness and the Nature of Migration
The inspiration behind Murmuration: The Dance of Starlings was born from a desire to explore the impact of movement, unity and the artificial constraints that divide us. Observing the flight patterns of starlings—thousands of birds moving in perfect harmony without a singular leader—I saw a metaphor for humanity itself. Although we don’t appear so these days, we’re also a migratory species, shifting across landscapes, forging new connections and continuously adapting to the environment we encounter. Yet, unlike starlings, we have been taught to see movement across borders as disruption rather than as an intrinsic part of who we are.
Migration is Natural
From the earliest records of human history, migration has been the foundation of our survival and evolution. Our ancestors moved with the seasons, followed food sources and adapted to new landscapes out of necessity and curiosity. The very diversity of languages, cultures and traditions we celebrate today exists because of migration. And yet, in modern discourse, the act of moving—of seeking new opportunities, safety or connection—has been vilified. Through Murmuration, I want to challenge this fallacy. Migration is not a problem; it is a fundamental aspect of our humanness. Seeing new and different places beckons us to question our way of life, encourages us to consider alternatives and inspires us to stretch and grow.
Interconnectedness Beyond Borders
Borders, like all societal constructs, are learned. They are reinforced by political structures designed to maintain order in an increasingly crowded, resource-limited world. Nations choose to define who belongs and who does not, often based on arbitrary lines that were drawn centuries (if not millennia) ago. But if we step back—if we observe humanity as we would a murmuration of birds—these divisions become artificial. We are all part of a greater whole, interconnected not just by culture, religion, economy or governance, but by our shared existence on this planet—and within the universe.
This installation invites viewers to consider this interconnectedness. The fluid, ever-changing forms of starlings in flight remind us that no one exists in isolation. Movement is natural. Collaboration is essential. And survival, for any species, depends on our ability to be adaptable and prioritize the importance of mutual support.
The Starling's Story: A Misunderstood Migrant
The European Starling, now ubiquitous across North America, was not always part of this landscape. It was introduced in 1890 by Eugene Schieffelin, an ornithologist and member of the American Acclimatization Society. Driven by the romantic notion that America should be home to every bird mentioned in Shakespeare’s works, Schieffelin released approximately sixty starlings in New York City’s Central Park. The legend surrounding this act has been painted as whimsical, even foolish, but the larger story of the starling’s integration into the native bird ecosystem in America mirrors many narratives surrounding human migration.
For decades, starlings have been demonized as an invasive species, accused of displacing native birds and damaging agricultural crops. However, scientific studies have shown that while starlings do compete for nesting sites, their presence has not led to the widespread decline of native bird populations as once feared. In fact, habitat destruction and climate change have had a far more significant impact on native species than starlings ever have. Much like how political leaders today wrongfully scapegoat immigrants for economic or social issues, the starling has become an easy target for environmental concerns that have deeper, systemic causes.
A Reflection on Governance and Identity
The structures and systems that govern our lives—religion, nationality, societal norms, etc.—are also learned behaviors. While they help create stability and order, they are not inherent truths. They’re constructs, shaped by history and those in power. Consumerism, capitalism and governance further reinforce these systems, dictating who has access, who is allowed to move and who is considered an outsider.
Murmuration is a visual exploration of these ideas. It seeks to ask the viewer:
What would it mean to move without fear or artificial constraint?
What if we saw ourselves and others as part of a greater whole rather than as individuals tied to boundaries that we created centuries or millennia ago for very different reasons than today?
How might we govern ourselves if we truly embraced the reality of our interconnectedness and recognized that the health and longevity of our existence are deeply tied to the well-being of all the elements and species living on this planet?
A Hope for the Future
Through Murmuration, I hope to offer people a moment of reflection—an opportunity to pause and consider the ways in which we categorize and separate ourselves from one another. This installation is not just about birds in flight; it is about the beauty of unity, the necessity of movement and the artificiality of borders. It is an invitation to reconsider what we take for granted about our identity, migration and what and who we choose to belong to.
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As you stand beneath the shifting forms of the murmuration, I invite you to imagine a world where movement is not feared but celebrated. A world where we acknowledge that we are, and have always been, a species in motion—interdependent, connected and free.