Fiorlands, New Zealand 30x40cm

The idea that if a place is too beautiful, people will destroy it is a common theme in many cultures around the world, including the Maori culture. The story goes that when the Maori people first arrived in the Fiordland area, they were in awe of the beauty of the landscape. They marveled at the towering mountains, the deep blue waters, and the lush green forests. However, they soon noticed that the beauty of the area was being marred by the swarms of sandflies that plagued them day and night.

In an effort to rid themselves of the sandflies, the Maori people decided to make a deal with the gods. They prayed to the gods for relief from the sandflies, and in return, they promised to keep the beauty of the Fiordland area a secret from the rest of the world. The gods agreed to their request and gave them a special herb to ward off the sandflies.

However, over time, some Maori people started to share the beauty of the Fiordland area with others. They would take visitors to the area and show them the stunning landscapes and vistas. As more and more people came, the land started to become damaged. Trees were cut down, animals were hunted, and the natural balance of the area was disrupted.

Eventually, the gods became angry with the Maori people for breaking their promise and as punishment, they took away the special herb that had protected them from the sandflies. From that day on, the sandflies returned in swarms, making it difficult for anyone to enjoy the beauty of the Fiordland area.

This painting is part of my solo show in Sofia, titled Beyond.
acrylic on canvas 30x40cm

*note this artwork is shipped from Bulgaria (prices include shipping) | World-wide shipping available
Please allow 2 week for preparation and packaging 📦 ✈️