In Dahak's universe, the animal world, particularly birds, is a subject of philosophical and religious reflection. It is also a fascinating subject in aesthetic research. The biblical story makes the peacock Eve's seductive accomplice in Adam's expulsion from paradise.
Paradise-Peacock must be one of the keys to beauty. We know that ancient peoples were very inspired by birds. Certain species were worshipped, such as the falcon among the Egyptians, the white rooster among the Persians and Gallic. The Quran teaches us that swallows defended the Kaaba against impious invaders by raining stones on them, reducing them to mud. We also know that the swallow is sacred in all monotheistic religions. The mere sight of its flight is enough to indirectly evoke the highest thoughts.
It encourages belief; it revives courage and whips away torpor. Certain birds are symbols of power and peace. The nobility of birds of prey like the eagle is an example of dignity that man greatly appreciates and with which he identifies in strength. But when, tired by war, he chooses to live in harmony with his partners, it is quite naturally to the dove that he thinks to illustrate his And then, how can we dissociate Birds from nature, which generously dispenses its riches and wonders ? The image and songs of these graceful beasts brighten our daily lives. The beauty of flowers and their fragility are linked to birds in natural aesthetics. Chinese painting offers us a rare beauty, inspired by the wolrd of birds, where the moving and sensual are found.
Ornithologists have written so much about the great processions of migration. These birds, devouring the sky and the sea, obey astonishing laws. But I love even more the mystery that persists in their phenomena.
How far can a bird fly when it goes, as if on a crusade, to reconquer the sun elesewhere ? Who warns it the first time when it imagines its nest ? How does it discern the hospitable environment without making a mistake ? and, all these difficulties overcome, how is it that it returns each yeach year at an almost fixed date and with certainty to its two homes, that of spring and that of autumn.
Airplanes are often compared to birds. They are certainly not birds in the unique and absolute sense of definition. They have something less supple, more laborious, which reflects the magnificent effort of man. The bird only had to struggle to acquire wings. Man, with stubborn strength, takes the trouble to seek them out.
But these 20th-century birds have something in common with the animal aviary. Always taking off, more numerous, always better built, always faster, they soar to every peak, doubting no summit, playing pigeon flight between continents, their vocation is to bring people together.
