Tea is one of the most popular beverages in Iran. Tea cultivation in Iran began in the late Qajar period through the efforts of Kashef al-Saltaneh and gradually expanded in the northern provinces, especially Gilan. Tea, beyond being an economic product, is part of Iranian culture, collective memory, and the ritual of hospitality; a drink that holds a special place in gatherings, conversations, and the shared moments of life. We have drunk tea; in different vessels, of varying qualities, across diverse social classes, and with a variety of methods of brewing and serving. Tea in war and peace, in conflicts and joys, in personal solitude and in the company of others, has always been part of our lived experience. This beverage, whether in solitude, in the presence of a loved one, or among a group, provides an opportunity for pause, calm, reflection, and conversation. Many of the discourses that form around social, cultural, and political issues begin in these simple, everyday moments; conversations whose outcomes can bring awareness, synergy, and the formation of a fresh perspective on the surrounding world. In this collection, the movement of the sun from sunrise to its zenith, as a symbolic element, represents the path of a society's intellectual growth and the movement from darkness toward light; a movement that begins with individual change and awareness and can lead to major social transformations. A path in which human dignity and the possibility of growth are provided; a world in which demons and beasts give way to flourishing, wisdom, and humanity. And perhaps before viewing and contemplating this collection, one can only say: Please have some tea! ---------------------------------------------- Handprint and acrylic on canvas 80 x 60 cm Matak - 2026