Medium: 8x16 in. signed and numbered glosss print
Zahir is a powerful and deeply symbolic piece that weaves together themes of heritage, spirituality, and familial love. In the foreground, a young boy stands warmly dressed in a deep blue winter coat, his face lit with a joyful smile and framed by a mask, suggesting playfulness and wonder. Behind him, a towering Mardi Gras Indian costume glows with intricate details rendered in rusted iron and patinaed copper. The warm, earthy tones of the iron contrast with the luminous turquoise of the oxidized copper, creating a dynamic interplay of color and texture.
At the heart of the costume lies a central medallion depicting a reflection of Christ, symbolizing divinity and grace. This imagery is mirrored by the soft halo effect around the boy, drawing a parallel between innocence and sanctity. Together, the medallion and halo suggest a connection between the divine and the everyday, as well as a continuity of tradition and faith. Set against the natural grain of blonde wood, the painting is both a personal tribute to the artist’s nephew, Zahir, and a larger celebration of cultural pride and spiritual reflection.