I took a picture of an old vinyl tape player, which I think is called a phonograph. I like the idea of a vinyl tape recorder representing the fact that we haven't exactly grown out of the past and it's still there. The bronze of the horn and the beautiful pattern, to me, represents the stories of history as it echoes throughout time. When I look at this piece of work, it reminds me of the history Oman carries and how the rest of the world had a part to play.
The chess board, in my opinion, represents strategy in war. I have used the multiple chess boards to prove how endless war can be, and I used the diagonal angle to show this, and show how it seems never ending. To me, this reminds me of the World Wars, where opposing ideals would come together to defeat the same enemy. I see a ceasefire in this picture, where enemies are now allies to fight side by side each other.
The crystal lanterns, to me, represent hope in dark times. The contrast the lights add to the darkness shows that, no matter what, the hope should outbalance the darkness. I like how they're all floating, though. It's like the hope is slowly flying away into the darkness. But slowly, so we won't realise it until it's completely gone and we're left hopeless, swallowed by the aforementioned darkness. This piece would be a little harder to explain, however, with all the intricate designs and the lanterns being more connected to hope rather than a physical idea. But it could also represent religion.
The doors represent a new future that leads away from the past. I like the contrast in the colours, how all these doors used to be brown and then we reach a white and gold one. It's like the picture is telling us you'll have to keep going if you want to find the right door for you. The rope wrapped around the doors shows how everyone's doors are connected, without us knowing, by the golden string of fate. In this case, though, the golden string of fate is a rope with pink bits to make it seem pretty. I also like how this golden door has a doorknob on it, while the others don't, as if asking you to open it, and inviting you to do so.
All the bronze compasses and other old knicknacks reminded me of a Victorian era. I like how most of the compasses are all pointing in one direction. When I look at this picture, I see an explorer preparing for adventure, while all the compasses are pointing him in the same direction, telling them where to go. This could also be seen as something completely different, like Steampunk, an era writers and fans created. It could just be another day in the life of a Victorian, or perhaps an aged explorer who has experienced too many adventures, but isn't prepared to stop there.
The treasure chests, too, remind me of an explorer who, after merciless trials, finally found what he was looking for. It could sybolise daunting voyages that could make you feel like giving up, but symbolises that the treasure at the end of the rainbow is always worth the wait.
