Birds by the Riverside (2025)

The Conference of the Birds in the 21st Century Inspired by the 12th-century Persian poet Fariduddin Attar’s celebrated poem The Conference of the Birds, I have created a contemporary interpretation of this timeless literary work through a painting of different birds gathered in a forest. In my work, the birds come together for a conference in the 21st century, where they speak about their existence, their presence in the world, and their essential role within the ecosystem. Through this imagined gathering, I give them a voice to express their concerns about the environmental challenges threatening their habitats and survival. The painting reflects on the interconnectedness of all living beings and our shared responsibility towards the natural world. By addressing issues such as global warming, environmental destruction, and the fragile balance of ecosystems, I invite viewers to reconsider humanity’s relationship with nature. Through this contemporary conference, the birds become more than symbols of the natural world; they become witnesses, participants, and voices of an ecosystem under threat. The work brings Attar’s spiritual and philosophical vision into dialogue with the urgent environmental realities of our time. This artwork depicts a pastoral scene featuring a diverse group of birds gathered near a winding river. The foreground showcases lush grasses and small flowers, while the background is defined by a row of stylized trees with intricately patterned foliage. The palette is dominated by vibrant greens and blues, evoking a tranquil and harmonious mood. The style is detailed and ornamental, emphasizing the textures and patterns found in the birds' feathers and the surrounding vegetation.