"The Camel's Grudge" is a piece inspired by the Persian proverb "Keene-ye Shotor," which translates to "The Camel’s Grudge." In Iranian culture, there’s a belief that camels, despite their calm and steady demeanor, hold onto grudges for a very long time. They don’t forget offenses and wait for the right moment to act, much like how some people harbor resentment for years without showing it.

In this artwork, I wanted to bring that idea to life in a playful yet thought-provoking way. The camel at the center, with its sly smile, seems to have a secret—an old grudge it's holding onto, but not revealing just yet. The desert background, vast and quiet, mirrors the patience that comes with holding onto something for so long, waiting for the perfect opportunity to resurface.

I’ve always been intrigued by how certain emotions, like resentment or bitterness, can simmer beneath the surface while everything looks calm on the outside. The camel’s expression reflects that duality: peaceful, almost humorous, but with something more profound hiding behind that smile.

This piece is part of my ongoing exploration of blending traditional Iranian proverbs with a modern pop-art style, using fantastical creatures and expressive colors to breathe new life into these ancient stories. It invites the viewer to think about their own experiences with long-held feelings—whether it’s forgiveness or the slow burn of a hidden grudge.