Gold Cypress

In this mixed media series, I depict the enduring power of the cypress tree using delicate silver and gold leaf, combined with Polaroids and transparent photos. The cypress stands as a witness to resilience and heritage—a symbol deeply rooted in the stories, values, and traditions that shape who we are.

Silver Cypress embodies the quiet strength of everyday people, representing purity, justice, and resilience. In contrast, Gold Cypress reflects nobility and valor, invoking the spirit of heroic ideals passed through generations. Together, these works invite meditation on how personal and collective histories persist within us.

This series draws inspiration from The Shahnameh, the Persian epic by Ferdowsi, where the cypress emerges as a living symbol of strength and transformation. Through these pieces, I hope to evoke a sense of reflection on the roots of our identities, inviting viewers to see in the cypress a testament to enduring strength and cultural memory.

• This series was created during my artists’ residency at the Civitella Ranieri Foundation in Umbertide, Italy, in 2024.