Pigeons are our oldest companion species. Since we first domesticated them more than 10.000 years ago pigeons have been considered symbols of peace, war heroes, hunted pests, and sacred messengers. Once our technological advancements substituted the pigeon´s service, we discarded them. Now the pigeon roams our streets alongside us, living in and off our dirt – depending on our infrastructures. The pigeon´s ambiguity reflects the double standards and the contradictions of how we relate to other species and to each other – how we pick and choose who has access to which space and under which circumstances.

In her ongoing artistic research, Helena critically examines the prevailing narratives and power relations that constitute how we share urban space. Helena creates situations/ fictional spaces for the audience to step into and move around in, often playing with repetition and distorted proportions. Helena is collaborating with artist G.C. Heemskerk on a duo exhibition at the NS station in Sittard, organised in partnership with Museum Het Nieuwe Domein. For this presentation, she is researching the city's pigeon populations and delving into local archives to uncover connections between these birds and the mining history of Sittard-Geleen.