This piece is inspired by the rich blues and deep earth tones of the Ishtar Gate, a symbol of strength and grandeur. The palm tree reflects warmth, life, and resilience, while the leopard’s elusive, nocturnal nature speaks to independence and quiet power. Bold red accents reference the color’s historical ties to power, war, and divine energy in Mesopotamian culture. Bronze gilding weaves through the composition, echoing the use of gold and metalwork in ancient temples, reliefs, and ornamentation—symbols of prestige, divinity, and craftsmanship. I wanted to explore the contrast between the raw and the refined, the seen and the hidden, mirroring the tension between civilization and the untamed world.