A diva in bird form by Elianne van Turennout

In the heart of the city, where the rhythm of life is determined by the sound of footsteps and the murmur of people, an urban pigeon stands like an unflappable sentinel on a weathered staircase. The dove, with its soft grey plumage and piercing eyes, seems perfectly aware of its stately presence amid the urban backdrop.

The staircase, worn down by the constant stream of passers-by, provides a peaceful refuge for this majestic bird. Her posture exudes an unexpected grace, her slender neck bent in an elegant arc as she smooths her feathers with careful precision. City sounds form a background chorus for her serene presence, as a tribute to her role as guardian of this piece of urban wilderness.

Her eyes, shining with inscrutable intelligence, seem to penetrate the city's ancient secrets. She watches the passers-by with a mix of curiosity and vigilance, as if reading their stories in the movement of their shadows on the pavement.

The urban pigeon is a master at finding beauty in the city's most unexpected corners. Her plumage reflects the soft tones of the concrete and stone, while her delicate legs explore the rough texture of the stairs. She seems to pose like a model for an imaginary artist, her posture full of grace and confidence as she transcends the chaos of the city around her.

As the day slowly turns to evening and the streetlights envelop the city in a warm glow, the city pigeon remains undisturbed at her post. Her presence reminds us that even amid the tumult of city life, there is always room for peace and contemplation - if only we are mindful of it.

This artwork is offered by Elianne van Turennout

It all started with a4 paper and HB pencils. As a child I was often impressed by how beautiful the world around me was. The urge to capture this beautiful world, and to show the people around me what I saw, was actually there from the beginning. If I remember correctly, I was about eleven years old when I first met the camera. Of course it was a simple compact camera with a ridiculous quality, but I enjoyed it.

I sometimes said I wanted to be a photographer, but of course you have one of the two parents who says, "Dream on." Strangely enough, I followed the sarcastic remark as advice, and still went to study photography.

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