A surreal artwork blending Nigerian and Iranian cultures. It features an African woman whose skin is overlaid with mythical Persian paintings. Within her face, the image of Rostam, the great hero of the Shahnameh, is visible. This symbolic fusion portrays the mythical connection between the two cultures. Her hair transforms into dark clouds, dripping ink-like droplets, symbolizing history and identity in a state of transformation. Rostam, one of the most legendary figures in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh, represents strength, courage, and loyalty. He belonged to the noble house of Zabul and defended Iran in countless battles. One of his most famous stories is the Seven Trials of Rostam, where he overcomes seven deadly challenges to rescue King Kavous from the demons. Another tragic tale is his unwitting battle against his own son, Sohrab, whom he unknowingly kills. This tragedy reflects themes of fate, destiny, and ignorance in Persian culture. In the background, a Fulani or Hausa warrior is seen riding a black horse. He wears a helmet with tall, curved horns, symbolizing power and bravery in Fulani culture. His red robe, adorned with traditional patterns, resembles the attire of warriors from the Sokoto Empire in 19th-century Nigeria. His face is covered by a mask, reminiscent of the Kanem-Bornu warriors from northern Nigeria. The warrior holds a long spear, a traditional Fulani weapon, representing their expertise in horseback combat. This image connects Nigerian warriors and Persian mythical heroes, as if they exist within a shared historical realm. The artistic style is modern surrealism, incorporating mixed media, oil painting, and digital art techniques, creating a dynamic and unique visual fusion of African and Persian cultures. “Legacy of the Forgotten Warriors” This ART reflects the deep connection between past and present, mythology and reality, and the fusion of Iranian and Nigerian cultures. The warrior in the background symbolizes strength and historical pride, while the woman’s face, covered with dark clouds and Qajar-era art, tells a story of identity, colonization, and resilience.
