23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Artistic
Veins of the Planet

In this image, my father’s hand reaches toward the delicate veins of a plant, a quiet meeting of human and nature. The intricate network of the plant’s veins mirrors the lines of his hand, connecting life, memory, and care. Through this photomontage, the photograph reflects intergenerational bonds, the passage of time, and the fragile beauty that persists even in the face of separation. It is an intimate meditation on touch, growth, and the quiet endurance of family ties.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Lahijan, Iran
Copyright: © Maryam Ghasempour Siahgaldeh