Description
‘Qoqnoos’ by Niky Motekallem
Artist: Niky Motekallem
Title: ‘Qoqnoos’
Medium: Gouache and pencil on vellum that has been mounted on 3/4″ thick wooden panel
Dimensions: 8″ x 8″
Framing: Unframed – Wooden panel can be easily wall mounted
Year of Creation: 2021
About the Artwork:
“The Qoqnoos is a mythical Persian bird that lives thousands of years, only to die in flames. And from its ashes, it arises reborn. Sound familiar? This is the Iranian mythical version of the phoenix. I’ve depicted the Qoqnoos as a caucasian black grouse surrounded by pomegranates and their flowers. In Iran and several other countries in the Middle East, this fruit and its flowers are associated with fire.” – Niky Motekallem
About the Artist:
Niky Motekallem is an Iranian-American illustrator who depicts flora and fauna in various states of decay. She uses intricate lines and bright colors inspired by their Persian roots to depict rot and rebirth. When she isn’t working in the studio, Niky is figure skating, brewing a decadent cup of tea, meandering in antique shops for inspiration, on hikes with plant identification guides, or crying over an anime episode.