Made By Naime
Artist: Naime Pakniyat
Naime began blending pixel art with the traditional painting of her homeland in
2016. In 2022, she created her first short animated film, “Gambit.” Her work
introduces a distinct visual language, drawing inspiration from Persian
miniatures of the 13th and 14th centuries, while also paying homage to the 8-bit
art of the early internet—a nostalgia that continues to resonate deeply within
today’s community. In June 2024, she presented her personal brand ‘Made By Naime’
to add pixel art to everyday products. By merging pixel art, a symbol of
modernity, with the traditional elements of ancient times, she strives to
preserve cultural heritage from fading into obscurity.
Chelle Night
The term “Shab-e Cheleh,” synonymous with Yalda Night in Iranian
culture, comes from the ancient tradition of dividing winter into the
“Great Cheleh” (the first 40 days of winter) and the “Small Cheleh”
(the next 20 days). Yalda Night was officially included in the ancient
Iranian calendar during the reign of Darius I in 502 BC. Yalda symbolizes
the birth of Mithra, the goddess of light and sun, as the sun is reborn after
the long, dark nights. The first day of Dey (winter) was a sacred day for
ancient Iranian sun-worshippers, marking the victory of light over darkness.
Saadi expresses this in a verse:
“The breeze of worldly comfort does not touch a wounded heart
The true dawn will not appear until Yalda’s night departs.”
