Plight of the Simurgh-1

Tea-wash, watercolour, black ink on wasli paper, 14.6 x 20 cm, 550 USD
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This is the first painting in the Plight of the Simurgh series, in which I use multiple perspectives. A mythical Persian bird, the simurgh is beloved among Iranians. In its legends, it faced many difficulties, making it wise, strong, patient, and kind. These are some of the many positive traits that humanity needs to adopt.

In this painting, the noble creature tries to protect its home and its family—using its own body as a shield—although violence in the form of weapons surrounds it. The roots of the greenery around it are intertwined, as if in a conspiracy to hurt the creature and its family. Clouds depict the heavens surrounding the world. Once again, hoopoes attempt to fly in to lend a protective hand, or to listen to the poor creature’s plea and take its prayers up to the heavens and God almighty.

I chose grey, green, white, and black for the section surrounding the simurgh in order to place the focus on the main character—the simurgh—painted on a lighter and slightly brighter background.

This painting was inspired by the people around the world who are fighting with strength and patience for their homeland and their families against oppression.