A Fun-Loving Peeshee
Peeshee; Acrylic and charcoal on canvas; 40×60
Sounds strange? It is not to some people. Peeshee is an affectionate word for cat in Persian. Cats are called gorbeh and those cuddly, furry ones you want to caress are called peeshee. Persian cats are famous all over the world. These long-haired beauties were first imported into Europe in 1620, and have been favorites of cat lovers ever since. Why is that? Most people would say because of their beautiful coats but I think it is their eyes.
Nilou Farzaneh ‘s painting Peeshee captures the bond that can exist between humans and their animal friends. The cat’s great size and the way that the woman imagines herself riding on its back suggest the close and playful relationship connecting them.
The table, with its fruit and simple bottles, reflects the joy that we find in the simple, good things of life. It reminds me of the famous lines from the Rubaiyat:
A Book of Verses underneath the Bough,
A Loaf of Bread, a Jug of Wine—and Thou.
The texture and colors of this painting epitomize the colors of Iran, particularly the weathered earthen colors of the old buildings and the blue of the Caspian Sea.
There is a wonderful playfulness and dreaminess in this painting. It will be exhibited along with other of her works at the Lush Finesse event on October 2nd at Fremont Hills Country Club.
See http://lushfinesse.eventbrite.com for event information.
