Untitled I (Kenyan Birds) 2000

Rosemary Karuga created this collage of Kenyan birds from paper. Birds, as symbols, appear across cultures and epochs. Historically, they bridge the earthly and the divine, serving as messengers between worlds. In ancient Egypt, the soul was represented as a bird. Consider how the dove became a symbol of peace, a motif born from the biblical story of Noah. Here, the birds take flight, evoking freedom and transcendence. Yet, the grounding presence of the long-legged bird reminds us of earthly ties. This contrast embodies the human condition, our yearning for the heavens juxtaposed with our rooted existence. This visual tension may stir deep within us a collective memory of aspiration and limitation, engaging our subconscious understanding of life's dual nature. Like the recurring images in our dreams, the symbolism of birds persists. It transcends time, resurfacing in art and myth, carrying echoes of our ancestors' hopes and fears.