we walked
the cotton fields of the delta
the nile glistened like a mirror
we will never be under cotton sheets
in my heart i kept
the softest terror:
the heaviness
of his gaze
eroded the tight linen
around my hunger
kisses broke over ripples
a harvest since passed
the hand that picked
the cotton
brought the sugarcane
juice streamed down my face
the Nile shuddered
Shirin Abedinirad, Reflective Journey, 2023. Land art, Kâhta, Adıyaman, Türkiye. Presented at the Commagene Land and River Art Biennial, the work brings together doors salvaged from the aftermath of the February 2023 earthquake and mirrored panels that open onto the surrounding landscape. Moving between obstruction and reflection, the installation pays tribute to what the artist describes as “the indomitable spirit” of those who, in the face of adversity, seek “solace and renewal” through resilience and hope. Artwork courtesy of featured artist Shirin Abedinirad.
