A computer blessed by Midas: Prophetic bird

Share it

Edgar Fawcett’s poem, “To an Oriole” [1], contemplates the essence and origins of the oriole, portraying the northern melody-bearing bird as a “shred of dusk with a voice” and an amber tulip in a forsaken garden that underwent a magical metamorphosis. Throughout ancient literature and mythologies, this mystical and poetic imagery surrounding Orioles was perceived as a sacred and prophetic representation of ingenuity, wealth, and society. These three qualities are closely akin to the ethos of Ubuntu, and therefore, it was deemed essential to bestow an artistic rendition on our muse, resonant with its prophetic presence.

Ubuntu 24.10 seeks to encapsulate the bird “touched by Midas” [2] in its official wallpaper:

The official Oracular Oriole wallpapers are available for download in various hues, styles, and dimensions.

As above, so below

When faced with the task of portraying our gilded emblem, the Design team at Canonical drew inspiration from astrological symbols. Marcus Haslam, the Magician, elaborates:

“Integrating the descriptor (Oracular) with the Oriole presented a unique challenge. I aimed to align this with the branding elements in our design framework. The utilization of circles, linear illustrations, and color schemes seamlessly integrated. Creating the Oriole bird from concentric circles was the initial focal point. Progressing from there, I incorporated additional elements to reflect the essence of ‘Oracular.’ The inclusion of an ‘all-seeing’ eye encircled by a group of companions added significance, while a crystal ball introduced a playful element to the mascot. Encircling planets were then added to the outer rim to symbolize the entirety of the Ubuntu universe. When animated, these elements harmonize into position, paying homage to the circle of friends logo.”

“Throughout the mascot design process, I envisaged the animation and its potential functionality. The concentric circles proved invaluable, imbuing a rhythmic flow and dynamism to this mythical Oracular realm.”

Vision for the Next Twenty Years

In keeping with tradition, alongside our official wallpaper, community-contributed artwork is also showcased. The categories for this release encompass Mascot, Digital Art, Photography, and 20th Anniversary. Numerous artists, photographers, and digital artists submitted a plethora of stunning entries, culminating in the selection of two winners from each category for inclusion. It is with great pride that we present the champions of the Oracular Oriole wallpaper competition:

Mascot Category

Oriole Mascot (LightDark) – @moskalenko-v

The Oracular Oriole – @meetdilip

Digital Art Category

Einsamer Raum – @orbitelambda

Arizona Nacht – @orbitelambda

Photography Category

schabing 2 – @schabing

Sunset – @gafreax

20th Anniversary Category

Legacy (Light/Dark) – @aaronprisk

Warty Remastered – @romactu1

Engagement Opportunity

The Ubuntu Wallpaper Competition is merely one among a host of ways through which you can actively engage with the vibrant Ubuntu community. Explore options for participation at: https://ubuntu.com/community/contribute