“Horsemen  in a Dark War Zone'—fortunately, they have each other as companions. Unfortunately, they can't distinguish between enemies and friends. Sometimes, the subconscious mind remains dormant for a while, only to create something just in time to call for peace and genuine relationships during the darkest nights of war. I'm delighted that it's finally finished, even though it was once wrinkled and broken into pieces. 
 
In Millbrae, CA, the journey of this painting began, its blank canvas echoing the quiet of that serene town. But it was destined for a far more tumultuous tale. I embarked on a journey, carrying that very canvas to the Hebekind office in Egypt, nestled within the bustling city of Shbeen El Koom, on Gamal Abdel Nasser Street.  It was the fasting month of Muslim Ramadan, a time of reflection and restraint, but the world outside buzzed with a different energy.
 
The streets below were alive with the cacophony of modern life: the ceaseless hum of cars, the wails of police sirens, the melodious cadence of broadcasted prayers that punctuated each passing hour, and the clatter of horses, donkeys, and carriages transporting people and goods. Amidst this symphony of life, my art found its voice, a voice that would convey the contrast of serenity and chaos.
 
During my time in Egypt, my designer would regale me with stories, stories of face-to-face killings during times of war. These tales spoke of a tragic reality, where individuals were forced to take another's life simply because of differing belief systems, sometimes even within the same religion. "You don't believe in my God," became a chilling justification for unspeakable acts. The echoes of war trauma, the psychological scars left behind, cast a shadow over our once lofty ideals.
 
We had embarked on a mission to create the ultimate human social network platform, a vision fueled by a desire for connection and understanding. But the harsh realities of conflict had eroded our mental well-being, and the darkness of those experiences lingered within us.
 
Returning to San Francisco, the memories of Egypt, both dark and colorful, found their way onto the unfinished canvas. The ink flowed, capturing the essence of those moments, the juxtaposition of tranquility and turmoil, faith and violence, and the enduring quest for meaning in a world fraught with contradictions.
 
In the end, this painting serves as a testament to the human experience—the journey from idealism to harsh reality, from serenity to chaos, and from darkness to the vibrant tapestry of life.