Rotting Bird Art

Kelly McCallum's Show at the New York Gallery Will Gross You Out

Kelly McCallum always pushes the envelope with her taxidermy artwork. In her latest installation for the New York gallery, Victorian birds are stuffed with watch parts and gold maggots.

Kelly McCallum's works aim to explore the decay and passing of time. Though kind of icky upon first inspection, her work is certainly thought provoking and casts life in a different view.

Implications - Morbid and death-related artworks have a certain pull on audiences that makes the work hard to look away from. In a society that is constantly trying to come up with ways to prolong life and avoid death, seeing a display of the passage of time and decay piques an interest from the crowd, as they try and get a glimpse of the fate they want to avoid.

Morbid Art
Creating art related to death or decay can attract viewers and initiate discussions about the passage of time.
Alternative Taxidermy
Using unusual materials or methods in taxidermy can create unique and eye-catching artwork.
Shifting Perspectives
Art that challenges traditional views on life and death can inspire new ways of thinking.

Sectors Adopting This

Art and Design
Exploring new ways to create and display art can lead to innovative and disruptive works.
Taxidermy
Experimenting with non-traditional techniques and materials in taxidermy can create new opportunities for artists and collectors.
Museum and Gallery
Exhibiting controversial and thought-provoking art can attract new visitors and spark conversation in the art world.
SCORE
1.8 out of 10
GENDER
50% Men50% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America
GENERATION
  • Gen Z
  • Gen Alpha
  • Gen X
  • Millennial (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 42%
Activity 3%
Freshness 8%

Solutions for innovators working at the edge of change. We help transform emerging ideas into practical, durable solutions by combining strategic thinking, creative exploration, and hands-on execution.

Trends © 2026 Trend Hunter Inc. All Rights Reserved.
LinkedIn Instagram X