Yalda Night

Alexis Mixter

wood burning and acrylic on birch panel

16" x 12"

The name of this piece comes from the Iranian celebration of the winter solstice. This night signifies the longest night of the year, and also celebrates the triumph of light over darkness. One of the symbols associated with this celebration is the pomegranate, which is also associated with life, renewal, fertility, and the joy of life. Here, the pomegranate is wrapped in the red tulip petals of the Iranian flag, symbolizing martyrdom and fallen soldiers.
The lotus is also an important symbol of peace and rebirth.
The scarf is not only a section of the Iranian flag, but also a remembrance of the 2009 protests in Tehran known as “The Green Movement.”