In Search of the Third Feather of Simurgh

Join Orange County Center for Contemporary Art (OCCCA) for the opening reception of, In Search of the Third Feather of Simurgh, a new exhibition by Soheila Siadate.  OCCCA artist and Iranian immigrant Scheila Siadate presents a powerful art exhibition heavily influenced by the expansion of brutalities that have persisted under the current dictatorial government in Iran.

The Simurgh, in Iranian art and mythology is a winged creature in the shape of a bird, gigantic enough to carry off an elephant. Appearing as a peacock with the head of a dog and the claws of a lion – occasionally with a human face, the Simurgh is inherently benevolent and unambiguously female.

A mythological hero, adopted and raised by the Simurgh after being abandoned in infancy by his father, is gifted three golden feathers when, as an adult, he departs the Simurgh for the world. Each feather is magically imbued with the positive power to provide safety, freedom, peace and well-being.