It draws on the iconographic tradition of Western painting, particularly the symbolism of the dog as a sign of loyalty, and intertwines it with the mystical and unconditional understanding of love found in Persian poetry. In this way, the artwork not only tells a personal story but also opens a dialogue between different cultural conceptions of love.

The title of the work refers to the artist’s daughter, who remained in Iran. This self-portrait reflects both absence and longing, while situating the artist in exile with symbolic elements such as her dogs. The work embodies the tension between separation and resilience, transforming personal loss into a new form of presence and belonging.

From the series Family. The woman discovers love for herself and inner peace through her individuality and refuge in the realm of art. The palette on the wall not only indicates that she is an artist but also transforms her role: she is no longer a passive object (as in many of Picasso’s works) but an active creator. This reversal represents a reclamation of power – the woman is not merely the subject of art, but the one who creates and controls the narrative. This element can also be read as a critical engagement with art history. For centuries, women were often depicted only as models or muses, rarely recognized as artists. The palette here emphasizes that she herself is the painter – standing on equal footing with male artists, or even surpassing them, by portraying not only herself but also challenging traditional perspectives on women. Her use of bold colors, distorted forms, and dynamic brushstrokes gives the work a powerful, emotional impact. Instead of depicting women as victims, the artist grants them a new, self-determined presence. The cubist fragmentation no longer merely shows multiple perspectives; it becomes a means of liberation and redefinition.

A self-portrait of the artist placed beside an empty chair at a table, awaiting a guest. The horizontal composition emphasizes openness and the relational space, reflecting themes of absence, anticipation, and longing. The thoughtful expression conveys introspection and the search for connection in exile.

A self-portrait of the artist in exile, featuring symbolic elements such as a suitcase and a dog. The figure appears contemplative and is positioned actively within a vertical frame, reflecting both introspection and resilience in a new environment.