Nilüfer (lotus) is a three-dimensional work in the form of a large vase. It conveys the mood of the artist. Vase symbolizes human in Persian literature. Likewise, in Far Eastern traditions, when someone passes away, their body is burnt and a vase is made from their ashes. Therefore, this work of Ahad, Nilüfer, symbolically represents himself.
Evidently, Ahad focused on numbers and signs in the design of this vase. For example, the corolla of the vase symbolizes number 24, which stands for the number of hours in a day. The large leaves, which hold number 24, symbolize number 12, standing for the months in a year. The neck, which holds the corolla, marks number 11. The body of the vase, exactly on its point of balance, bears Zarathustra’s words “Kerdare nik, goftare nik, pendare nik” in 7 languages: Persian, Turkish, English, French, Russian, Arabic and Chinese. In this way, the artist aims to send a message to the world. This is a message for kindness, a call for eliminating war and evil. A peaceful life is designed around this message. A relaxed environment with birds, deers and women.
A lotus is to be seen in the interior of the vase. Lotus is the symbol of peace and love in Persian, Anatolian and Eastern civilization. In this work, Ahad depicts the lotus flower with five leaves that represent the five elements of life in Feng Shui philosophy, and with a globe. Through phoenixes, people and the elegance of women, he intends to portray peace and immortality.
The main colors of lotus are turquoise and golden. Golden color represents richness. Of course, what Ahad refers to in this context is the richness of the soul. Turquoise, on the other hand, represents paradise and is the color of peace. The message Ahad wants to convey here is that each human being symbolically nourishes life and beauty with their positive energy in the essence of or under the soil. And no matter what they do, this energy will return to them.
