“Heritage Garden” illustrates the exploration of my Iranian roots, owning my identity, navigating grief, and being reunited with my family. It encompasses floral portraits of my loved ones and tribute pieces to my late father.

Using variations of red, white and blue, a common color palette found in Persian rugs and ironically the United States flag, I was forced to make peace with being Iranian American. As I reconnected with my aunts and cousins, I drew inspiration from their personalities and orchestrated the colors to depict their individuality. Each one completely different, but connected; tied together with roses, irises, and poppies.

The tribute pieces to my father, were names he gave me for future paintings before he passed. Inspired by the pansies growing in his backyard in Iran and hints of his favorite color, yellow.

The boarder within each painting is another element drawn from Persian rugs. Drips interweaving in every directions, acting as threads of time. Showing how our past intertwines with our present. Painted from heaven’s point of view to pay respects to my father and ancestors.