Sacred Threads by Bianca ter Riet

About "Sacred Threads"

by Bianca ter Riet

About the artwork

"Sacred Threads" is a visual tribute to female strength, heritage and connection. The portrait shows a young woman looking at the viewer with erect gaze - calm, powerful, almost holy. Her face and posture exude calm, but her eyes tell a story of depth, identity and memory.

The title refers to the visible and invisible connections woven throughout the work. The long braided hairs, decorated with feathers, refer to traditions passed down from generation to generation. They are literally and symbolically 'threads' - connected to the past, interwoven with rituals and culture.

The aura-like light around her head is reminiscent of religious iconography, as if she were a sacred figure within her own cosmos. This makes her more than a portrait: she has become a symbol, bearer of a history passed on through body, clothing and gaze. The rich textures in the background - reminiscent of embroidery, tapestries or woven fabrics - reinforce the idea of craftsmanship, care and devotion. Every detail seems 'stitched in' with love and meaning.

In her clothes, we see cultural patterns, deep colours and ornaments that suggest she is a representative of a larger collective: a community, a tribe, a spiritual lineage. The warm colours and soft glow give the whole thing a sacred feel. Yet she remains earthy - her beauty is not exalted, but rather rooted.

"Sacred Threads" speaks about the power of tradition in a modern world. About how identity is not just something you wear, but what you are - in every thread of your being.

Conceived by Bianca ter Riet, visualized with AI.