Dots: The Tale of Unity is an ongoing series by Romina Zabihian that uses the ceremony and ritual of tea, a centerpiece of social and community gatherings in many Eastern cultures, and the meticulous technique of pointillism, to craft visual stories about the interconnectedness of individuals and a unity that transcends boundaries and borders.

Placing a tea bag on paper creates an unpredictable stain, serving as a poetic reminder of life’s aspects beyond our control. Just as we can’t influence the forms these stains take, we can’t choose our race or ethnicity. These innate traits have been unfairly used to discriminate against people. Through her art, she aims to prompt contemplation on the arbitrary divisions that separate us and advocate for a world where unity and equality prevail.

While a single dot may seem insignificant, combined with others, it forms an intricate and meaningful vision. In “Dots,” birds emerge as the eyes of Romina’s painted figures, challenging our perceptions, signifying freedom of the soul, and asking us to contemplate the deeper essence that connects all human beings. What happens when we, like dots, come together as a larger whole?

“Dots: The Tale of Unity” delves into the universal aspects that bind us as human beings, celebrating unity, diversity, the intrinsic value of every person, and the power of collective action.