This Artwork, based on the Persian proverb To breed a snake in one’s sleeve, powerfully encapsulates the hidden dangers lurking within seemingly harmless or intimate relationships. This proverb is a stark reminder that threats or treachery can exist right under our noses, often within environments or connections we least suspect. Like a snake secretly hiding in a sleeve, ready to strike when least expected, this phrase carries profound cultural and moral weight in Persian tradition, warning people to remain cautious and alert to unseen perils in life and relationships.
In the image, we see a red, multi-eyed and tentacled figure holding a green snake, weaving through the fabric of the being’s arms and body. The creature, a fantastical representation of someone who nurtures betrayal within their own safe space, perfectly embodies the proverb’s meaning. There is an air of detachment or resignation in the creature’s gaze, as if the figure has come to terms with the danger it harbors. This reflects the harsh reality that sometimes, people consciously or unconsciously allow threats or toxic elements to persist within their lives.