Close-up of a white peafowl facing right, with a delicate feather crest, green around its eye, and violet and magenta tones across its plumage against a dark background.

A Crown of Light

MG-0229

September 2020

About this piece

Mike Gedj frames a white peafowl in close profile, setting its fine crest and layered plumage against a nearly black background. Violet and magenta tones sweep through the feathers, while a small green accent draws attention to the dark eye.

The story

I found myself looking past the sweep of feathers toward the eye. Against the dark ground, every pale strand seemed distinct, yet the plumage behind the head dissolved into soft violet and pink. I kept the frame close, letting the crest reach into that blur. What held me was the contrast between the bird’s elaborate outline and its steady gaze: so much delicacy surrounding a single, watchful point.

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A Crown of Light hanging in a narrow wall

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