In the eternal dance of light and dark, a tale repeats itself as a shadow of the infinite.Shadows, akin to warriors in battle, are sometimes swept away by fleeting victories and sometimes crushed by enduring defeats.
SARAI Gallery is pleased to present "Trunk", an intriguing exhibition showcasing works by Faezeh Zandieh, marking her debut solo collaboration with the gallery. The show opens on November 8th and runs through November 22nd at SARAI-Tehran.
This series offers a multifaceted exploration of the contemporary human experience, delving into moments of profound solitude, overwhelming confusion, and the existential struggle to comprehend ourselves, others, and the world around us.
These paintings depict male figures trapped in an eternal conflict within a timeless and boundless realm, hinting at untold narratives. The reasons behind these clashes remain deliberately obscured, inviting us to contemplate and confront inner struggles, perhaps rooted in our psyches' deepest recesses.
The scenes mirror the ancient Cain and Abel narrative, symbolizing humanity's existential struggle. Everyone is inherently a Cain and Abel, grappling with contradictory natures and searching for meaning in existence. This series delves into the existential angst of this profound split.
The artist's initial inspiration for the series came from witnessing a street fight on the way to her studio. Captivated by the interplay of bodies and emotions in such confrontations, Zandieh aims to capture the essence of humanity through conflict. However, her exclusive focus on male figures suggests an element of self-censorship, possibly reflecting her experiences as a woman in society. The internalized anxieties surrounding female representation add an additional layer of complexity to her work.
Drawing from her background in printmaking, Zandieh employs a limited palette, allowing her to concentrate on the figures and events without the distraction of overwhelming color. This focus on essentials enhances her ability to convey the emotions she seeks to express.
Her creative process begins with gathering inspiration from various sources, including personal photographs, archived images, and film frames. She sketches initial ideas, making frequent revisions and modifications. The artist often combines elements from different sketches and may even alter the gender of the figures. With a flexible approach and an openness to new ideas, she continues to refine her work until achieving a final composition.
