Meditation 

Michael Parkes created this artwork, titled *Meditation*, with no specific date attached. The painting immerses us in a serene, almost dreamlike space, dominated by the juxtaposition of a winged black panther and a contemplative female figure. The composition is carefully structured to balance these two forms against the cool blues and greens of the pond and sky. The artist uses a muted color palette to create a sense of stillness, drawing our attention to the tactile qualities of skin, fur, and stone. The scale is slightly distorted, giving the scene an otherworldly feel. What is striking is how the artist uses allegorical figures and symbols to explore themes of introspection and transformation. The pond acts as a mirror, reflecting not just the physical world but also the inner states of being. This creates a powerful visual metaphor for the process of meditation, where external forms fade away, revealing deeper truths. The work invites us to reflect on our own perceptions and interpretations.