2023 - Present

Running With Pigeons

Janik’s current research-creation project, Running with Pigeons, explores the deep historical relationship between humans and pigeons and the ways these interactions have transformed over time. This body of work functions as an inquiry into the accessibility of nature within urban environments, specifically examining how individuals facing diverse economic and physical barriers are disproportionately excluded from enjoying natural spaces to the same degree as those who do not face such obstacles. By addressing the intersection of rising transportation costs, health-related limitations, and physical disabilities, the project investigates how pigeons provide immediate and egalitarian opportunities for ecological connection in metropolitan centers.

The work examines the specific ways in which pigeons have been domesticated throughout history and how that relationship has shifted alongside radical advances in architecture, communication, and farming technologies. Through a combination of photography and sculptural intervention, Janik investigates feral roosting behaviors before and after domestication. This research highlights the direct role humans play in shaping these habits.

This exploration extends into the physical realm through the creation of functional public sculptures. These pigeon lofts are designed to be integrated into the urban fabric as a direct response to hostile architecture, such as spikes and netting, which systematically excludes wildlife from shared spaces. By constructing and installing these lofts, the project actively welcomes pigeons back into the environments they were forced to vacate. In doing so, Janik transforms the pigeon from a perceived nuisance into a vital neighbor. This work offers accessible solutions for urban residents to reclaim a sense of belonging within the natural world regardless of their economic standing or physical mobility.