40 billion birds migrate through the Bosporus Strait each year, but some of the male birds are trapped and treasured for their beautiful song. The birdmen of Istanbul meet in cafes with their songbirds to compete. Cages are wrapped elegantly in paper or cloth - each birdman has his own style. According to these men, without hearing a good bird sing, you can say you listen to songbirds, but you can’t say you know them. The chaffinch is one breed which is sought after for it's lovely song.

This painting is acrylic and metallic leaf on a 30 x 30 cm canvas board. It is framed in a 50 x 50 cm black frame, and sits raised above a natural hessian backing.