The Lion Genie

Food coloring & acrylic on canvas, 50 x 70 cm, 3.000 Turkish Liras

Genies were believed to exist among the ancient Assyrians, Babylonians, and Sumerians of Mesopotamia. Generally taking the form of wild animals such as lions, birds, snakes, and lizards, these evil spirits lived in the sea, in the mountains, or in a cemetery—waiting to set traps and to haunt people. Amulets made of enchanted tablets were hung around the necks of children to protect them.

Inspired by a 12th-century Persian miniature painting