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Cynthia Hamika, :):, 2021. Ink on wood panel, 18in x 24in.

The painting depicts colored candy subjects over the exposed texture of the wood. Multiple layers of ink over white base creates a thick glossy finish reminiscent of real candy wrappers. The candy is a play on westernization, in the use of having American sweets with traditional Turkish coffee as a part of contemporary Middle Eastern events. I initially intended on adding hot glue sculptures of a tea cup and a rosary but after creating the pieces I decided just to focus on the candies. The reversible smile and frown reflect the changing conversations had over tea.