This painting was created for the open call ‘Patterns of Friendship,’ where I chose to explore the theme of Persian poetry and literature. It is my tribute to Hafez Shirazi, inspired by his verse:
‘The soul is but a vessel for Her grace,
Her reflection shines in the mirror of one’s gaze.
Never have I bowed my head to any —
Yet prostrate I fall when She comes my way.
For you, the celestial tree; for me, my Beloved’s form,
For you, the heavens; for me, Her essence alone.
Layla had her Majnun — now my turn has come,
For fate repeats its eternal dance and hum.
The land of lovers is treasure untold,
My only virtue — to reach Her fold.
The soul fears not the dark of oblivion’s night,
But only to see Her in diminished light.
A garden within a garden, blooming unseen —
Her sudden transformation, a vision serene.
Though Hafez appears wretched and poor to the eye,
His heart holds Her image, eternal and high.’
October 11th marks Hafez’s memorial day in Iran, when crowds of all ages gather at his tomb with armfuls of roses, reciting his poetry and scattering petals over his grave. My painting depicts his rose-covered mausoleum, the ‘Beloved’s form’ from his verses (symbolizing his celebration of the feminine divine), and wine — a recurring motif in his works.
Presentation
• Painted edges (ready to hang unframed)
• Includes hanging hardware
I Please note that colours and saturation may slightly vary from originals - the monitor's setting can affect them too.
