My red.

This creation is a portrait made of rice, born of my travels through Arizona and deeply rooted in my Persian heritage. In Persian culture, rice, or berenj, is not merely food; it is a symbol of abundance, prosperity, and hospitality. Preparing rice with care is considered an act of love, a gesture of generosity, and a reflection of the beauty and craftsmanship that define Persian traditions. Under the creative direction of my grandfather, I was able to manifest my deep-rooted desire into a tangible art form. I sought to bring love into my reality, much like I translate all my ideas—through the language of creative symbolism. The portrait I have created presents two figures, one feminine and one masculine, mentally intertwined, with the colours of each present in the mind of the other. I envision the couple engaged in a sensual dance, a graceful interplay of movement and emotion. His hand tenderly cradles her face, a gesture of protection and intimacy that embodies the comfort found in their connection.

The colours surrounding the figures are rich with symbolism. On the left, a fire of passion burns, representing a willingness to embrace the flames of love and desire. On the right, the black tree of life takes shape, its form reminiscent of intertwined willow trees. The tree’s branches coil into a figure-eight, symbolizing unity and growth. From this union, orange flowers bloom, representing the creative expansion fostered by their connection. Beneath the black tree lies a red tree, whose white flowers signify purity—of intention, of emotion—serving as the spiritual counterpart to the black tree.

The interplay of white and black in the upper corners of the composition embodies the balance of Yin and Yang, where feminine and masculine energies, light and dark, find harmony. Flowing through this balance is the figure of a bird, a symbol of ease and grace, representing the higher consciousness that elevates their union beyond the earthly realm.

Altogether, this portrait illustrates a mortal’s devotion to love and the alignment with a partner who embodies both the celestial heights of the heavens and the grounding stability of the earth.