Duke Riley's performance art casts pigeons as stars

Artist Duke Riley has found a way to elevate the common urban fowl with 'Fly by Night', a performance that has brought hundreds to the gates of Brooklyn’s Navy Yard to watch the birds in flight

(Image credit: Tod Seelie)

By Carly Ayres

last updated 23 August 2022

in Features

While pigeons aren’t exactly greeted with open arms in New York — often fondly referred to locally as ‘rats of the sky’ — artist Duke Riley has found a way to elevate the common urban fowl via 'Fly by Night', a performance that has brought hundreds to the gates of Brooklyn’s Navy Yard, eager to catch a glimpse of the birds in action.

Taking a page from the historic tradition of pigeon fancying, Riley has trained a flock of over 2,000 birds to perform an elegant choreography, each with a small LED light adhered to their ankles to create a glittering display across the night’s sky.

Standing atop their coops, Riley and his collaborators wave large swaths of fabrics, guiding the birds through a series of practiced movements.

The event, which has been sold-out since before it opened has a waitlist of nearly 40,000, is now extended through 19 June, adding three additional performances to its run. Those interested in attending can reserve a ticket or become a member of Creative Time, the creative initiative that has helped organise numerous public art projects (including this one), to ensure two tickets to one of the final performances.

‘Creative Time is committed to helping artists realise their dreams, and Duke's dream was for Fly By Night to be his gift to New York,’ says Katie Hollander, Creative Time’s executive director. ‘We are grateful for the opportunity for more New Yorkers to experience its magic.’

Those less fortunate to snag a ticket can also view the spectacle from across the river at the East River Park Ampitheater.

Pigeons flying above with blue sky background — Taking a page from the historic tradition of pigeon fancying, Riley has trained a flock of over 2,000 birds to perform an elegant choreography, each with a small LED light adhered to their ankles to create a glittering display across the night’s sky

3 people waving flags for the pigeons — Standing atop their coops, Riley and his collaborators wave large swaths of fabrics, guiding the birds through a series of practiced movements

Man stood on roof waving flag — Made possible by Creative Time, an initiative that has helped organize numerous public art projects (including this one), its executive director Katie Hollander says, ‘Creative Time is committed to helping artists realize their dreams, and Duke's dream was for *Fly By Night* to be his gift to New York.’

Pigeons blurred with movement — The event, which has been sold-out since before it opened has a waitlist of nearly 40,000, is now extended through 19 June, adding three additional performances to its run

INFORMATION

'Fly by Night' is now extended until 19 June. For more details, please visit the Eventbrite website

Photography: Tod Seelie

ADDRESS

Brooklyn Navy Yard
63 Flushing Ave
Brooklyn, New York

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