statement
My work on the whole talks about Iran’s present cultural situation which is disturbed by deep contrasts between tradition and modernism. We have somehow turned away from or traditional culture but at the same time been left behind by modernism. We have distanced ourselves from our beliefs and now stand far from them to be able to join in the global stream of modern cultures but it seems like we have failed in reaching both of them. May be this is because we are doubtful of this liberation and don’t want to separate from our past. This has out us in some kind of cultural gap where we can’t find our true place in western modernism. I try to show this gap in my works, my dark and even colored backgrounds show a theme of having no place and time, where people are doubtful of their identity and worried for their future. Some figures and faces are shown with two different sides which show their stressed minds. Some eyes are blind and some show disappointment with traces of scares they have on their hearts and souls, few have hopes.
In some others I have used ornaments like earrings and necklaces with shiny faces on pretty figures who although have put on a lot of makeup still have their traditional dresses on, a sign of their inner want for returning to past cultures and in spite of that, trying to keep up with new trends of fashion, in order to hide their fear of being called backward. They have made a false identity for themselves and a world of self deceit. My figures are never who they appear, they are acting all the time, trying to show off and sometimes it looks like they pity themselves and are trying to be self consoling.
The medium and ,material I use are both oil and ink. Ink is a medium of traditional Iranian painting and oil a more modern medium. They clash in my works but oil always wins. I use traditional clothing belonging to Ghajar and sassani dynasties or different periods or make them look old and ancient. These are used in modern spaces with modern lighting and western glazing mixed with Iranian traditional sign and icons. They both exist beside each other. Is this true in the real world ? No I think we are only imagining, or hallucinating. I have chosen the title ( Amino Acid) for all my works and not only for some. Amino Acid is the fundamental element of human body cell and all other creatures we are all made from a common core but with different forms. I chose this title because I have followed the same concept , my works have a common core but have different forms and presentations.