The Disappearing Lake

Being from Tabriz, Iran, I grew up spending my whole summer beside a lake called Lake Urmia. This lake is located between the provinces of East Azerbaijan and West Azerbaijan. Crossing the causeway, which  connects my hometown to Urmia, once It was possible to see the beautiful lake from both sides of the bridge. However, all that is left behind of my childhood memories, is a gigantic salt desert today. I remember the very first time I saw Don Mayer’s documentary about the lake, years ago. Being one of the famous American filmmakers, he had made a documentary about Lake Urmia called “Flamingoes Return” back in 1970s and before the revolution. In the documentary he mentions how those flamingoes were unique and their behavior were unknown, but We have lost Artemia, flamingoes, and beautiful migrating birds today. It breaks my heart, seeing such a precious lake of my motherland fading away. Despite the protests from citizens, government is not doing much and like any other disaster. I believe that once again, Iranians should stand up and support each other to save the lake. The “I am Lake Urmia” hashtag is trending across social media. If we save our lake, we will be able to save ourselves, and this is our social responsibility for creating more sustainable future. 
Sustainable art indicates how art plays an important role in reflecting the major environmental issues, and its power in making a difference. 
My art is a call to change. A way to illustrate what future will bring us, if we do not fight for it. The painting simply depicts the assets that are confronting extinction due to our irresponsible actions. The material used are the oil painting on canvas and a palette knife.