Roots and Freedom

A surreal and artistic digital collage inspired by mixed media, depicting a Black woman with a voluminous afro. But her hair is not just a hairstyle—it forms the map of Nigeria, symbolizing her deep cultural identity and heritage. Her face is partially hidden in shadows, with only her metallic lips reflecting light, representing untold stories and a rich, mysterious history. Her body is a canvas, adorned with intricate Persian art, featuring traditional Iranian floral patterns, delicate miniature birds, and motifs that narrate a story stretching from the East to the West. But the most striking element of this piece is the magnificent bird perched on her shoulder—the Homa (Simurgh), the legendary bird of Iran, a symbol of fortune, power, and freedom throughout Persian mythology. This artwork is more than an image—it is a journey into identity, liberation, and the fusion of two rich cultures. Persian and African artistry intertwine to tell the story of a woman who carries both legacies within her, a woman rooted in history yet soaring toward the future, just like the Homa bird, always flying in the highest skies