The girl and the parakeet

To bloom in unlikely places, you were never meant to thrive

Flourish we will

Original Artwork, 120 X 100 CM, 2024
Acrylic on linnen canvas

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In Institutional Collection, CBK Zuidoost, NL

About the Work

Flourish We Will is a deeply personal and poetic narrative that explores themes of identity, migration, love, and resilience, using the allegorical presence of the Green Parakeets in Amsterdam as both muse and metaphor. This painting draws inspiration from the true story of the parakeets, non-native birds believed to have arrived in Amsterdam around the 1970s (some sources cite as early as 1976) who were originally imported as pets.

This work is a response to the CBK Zuidoost Summer Salon Open Call, celebrating Amsterdam's 750 years of the city’s post-war development and cultural evolution. In this context, I offer a layered narrative that connects environmental shifts, diasporic identity, queer liberation, and the politics of visibility in a city known for its progressiveness, but also its quiet exclusions. I want to draw attention to what it means to not just survive, but to flourish in a place that was never designed for you.

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This original artwork is created using professional-grade acrylic paints on linen (or cotton) canvas. The surface is chosen for its strength and longevity, allowing the work to develop through layered application while remaining stable over time.
It is hand-signed at the front and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
The artwork is carefully finished and prepared prior to shipment, and is fully insured during transit. International collectors outside the EU should be aware that local import duties or taxes may apply depending on country regulations. For any questions regarding shipping, framing, or acquisition, you’re welcome to get in touch.