This piece is inspired by the Iranian proverb "در دیزی بازه حیای گربه کجا رفته؟" which translates to "The pot is open, where has the cat's shame gone?" This saying is used to describe someone who is taking advantage of a situation when there is no supervision or control, often acting without shame when they have the opportunity to do something wrong. It speaks to human nature—when temptations are in front of us, do we have the discipline to resist, or do we indulge without concern for the consequences?

In this artwork, I’ve personified the cat as an old Iranian man with a thick mustache, sitting down to devour dizi, a traditional Persian stew. The cat's transformation into this human-like figure reflects the sly and opportunistic nature implied in the proverb. The setting is deeply traditional, with a Persian rug as the backdrop, grounding the piece in its cultural origins. The mustachioed cat, however, adds a touch of whimsy and humor, merging both nostalgia and satire.

The dizi pot in the scene is slightly overflowing, symbolic of indulgence and excess, and garlic cloves on the table add an earthy, real-world connection to the food culture. Surrounding the pot, you can see a small herbal arrangement, evoking both the simplicity and richness of Persian culinary traditions.

By blending these elements of old Persian culture with a fantastical, almost absurd character, I wanted to evoke a sense of playful critique—asking us to reflect on when we let go of our self-control and act purely on impulse.