Ruffling a few feathers? Controversial artist uses DEAD BIRDS in wearable art collection that includes a $4,000 bra and skirt set made from PARROTS

  • New Zealand artist Emily Valentine makes fashion pieces out of dead birds
  • One of her pieces, a bra and skirt set, it made with dead Rainbow Lorikeets
  • She said she uses birds that died from natural causes or through accident
  • She aims to raise awareness about the mistreatment of animals through the work
  • But critics have slammed the collection, saying it makes a 'mockery of wildlife' 

By Lauren Grounsell For Daily Mail Australia and Caters News Agency

Published: 20:34 EST, 1 February 2017 | Updated: 20:38 EST, 1 February 2017

An artist has caused controversy after creating a collection made entirely from dead birds.

Emily Valentine specialises in 'wearable art', and has created a $4,000 bra and skirt set crafted with dead Rainbow Lorikeets.

Her collection is currently on display at Sydney's Janet Clayton Gallery, and has been lambasted by critics who claim the artwork made a 'mockery of wildlife'. 

But Ms Valentine disputed the remarks, saying the roadkill collection actually aimed to raise awareness about the mistreatment of animals.

New Zealand artist Emily Valentine has caused controversy with her wearable art collection made with dead birds. Pictured is a $4,000 set made from Rainbow Lorikeets

The artist (centre) used birds that died from natural causes or were killed in an accident for her collection, which she said aimed to raise awareness about the mistreatment of animals

'I want to confront the viewer with the uncomfortable nature of the feather, to question our callous treatment of animals and birds, and ask how we sub-consciously classify animals – pet or pest, valued or worthless, beautiful or plain,' she said.

The New Zealand resident said her pieces were made with birds that had died of natural causes or through an accident, such as road kill.

Other examples of her work include fascinators made from dead birds, the wings extending as if in flight atop the head.

The road kill collection includes doll sized figures that have become mythical winged ‘heroes’

One man modelled a Rainbow Lorikeet hat, its wings extended above his head

As well as using Rainbow Lorikeets in her collection, Ms Valentine also featured a rooster and seagull.

Photos of her work were uploaded to the Janet Clayton Gallery Instagram page, where they were met with backlash from animal activists.

'This exhibition is seriously sickening. It makes a mockery of our wildlife. How dare you,' one critic said.

Another labelled the work as 'gross and said it was an 'inappropriate use of wildlife'.

Causing controversy: 'This exhibition is seriously sickening. It makes a mockery of our wildlife. How dare you,' one critic said

Recurring theme: 'In 1999 I made Road Kill, a pair of shoes using feathers from a roadkill lorikeet and this led to my continuing use of this source when ever I can,' Ms Valentine said

Despite the critics, Ms Valentine has been recognised for her work in the industry.

In 2014 she won the World of Wearable Art WOW Factor Award, and described feathers as her 'paint'.

'In 1999 I made Road Kill, a pair of shoes using feathers from a roadkill lorikeet and this led to my continuing use of this source when ever I can,' she said.

The collection also stars doll sized figures that have become mythical winged 'heroes' and a life-sized model of an Afghan Hound transformed into a rooster. 

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