((You came to mind; I seek my desire,

For in good fortune lies the essence of a good omen))

Hafez’s sonnets are the manifestation of the Iranian collective and individual spirit, interpretable and rich contextual. Hafez’s divination (Fal) serves important social functions such as relaxation, promoting positivity, making things easy and seeking solution for the future, bring relief and inner peace. For years, they have been taking the Hafez horoscope at various events. Hafez himself has mentioned this ability in his sonnets

((Although the Tranquility of the Heart, I know, does not grant the desire of the heart.

I draw an imaginary figure, I cast the spell of continuity.))

Gizella Varga Sinai is an artist who has been paying attention, during her career, to aspects of everyday life and the beauties of Iranian art and literature in all periods. Her recent collection reflects her memories and fascination with divination (Fal) and Fal-sellers, has been recounted in the first memory of her trip to Shiraz.

In her collection Hafez ‘s Divination (Fal -Hafez), she paints plants, flowers, birds, mythical creatures, angels, and lovers alongside the divination texts. It is as if she has compressed the fundamental contents of Iranian literature and put it on canvas.

She uses the compositions and sometimes marginalizations of traditional Iranian paintings in a new way to create a free, multifaceted space. A space that   combines several dialects and collages and reconnects literature and painting, a space that is both accessible and enigmatic, brimming with meaning and beauty.

Behnam Kamrani

Spring 2024