Nothing could be more calming than the chirpings of birds in the wild. Here, the birds perching on branches instead of inside a cage suggests a declaration of freedom. The three girls are illustrated in Nai Tong’s signature style – oval faces, slit eyes, luscious lips, ridge noses and long flowing hair. Masterfully depicted in alternating colours of warm reds and cool blues, a visual balance and rhythmic flow is struck here. They are also carved somewhat in the artist’s face, which serves like the artist’s alter ego. One lone brown bird stands on top of the cage on the right as an artistic weight.