Shahmaran

Jute & cotton, 120 x 150 cm, Private Collection

Shahmaran is a mythical creature in the mythology of Iran, Anatolia and Iraq. She was known as Queen of the Snakes: in Persian, Shah means ‘leader,’ and Mar-an means ‘snakes.’ Normally depicted as half human and half snake, I decided to free her, and focus on her enchanting eyes. I’ve balanced the strong hues of red and violet with the natural smoothness of jute.