Walking Through the Darkness : Part 2

SARAI Gallery is pleased to present "Walking Through the Darkness - Part 2," the latest works by renowned Iranian artist Ali Zakeri. Expanding on the themes introduced in his previous exhibition, this continuation offers a more contemplative and enigmatic exploration of human vulnerability and struggle. On view from January 10 to January 24, 2025, at SARAI-Tehran, this exhibition marks another compelling chapter in Zakeri's evolving artistic journey.

For years, Zakeri's work has been defined by powerful figuration, intense energy, and a profound engagement with the rawness of human struggle. His recurring portrayal of boxer figures, which serve as symbols of conflict, resilience, and endurance, has become central to his practice. In this new series, however, the artist shifts his focus to a more contemplative space. The figures are caught in suspended moments, their actions ambiguous, leaving us uncertain of their purpose. This subtle shift marks a move away from the confrontational tone of his earlier works and emphasizes a more reflective stance on vulnerability and the intricacies of human existence.

The color palette in Zakeri's latest works has also evolved, with a notable presence of green, influenced by the artist's prolonged immersion in painting nature. Despite this shift, the emotional power remains unwavering. The figures continue to convey the profound emotional currents that define Zakeri's art, maintaining their intensity and complexity.

Ali Zakeri's artistic process is deeply personal, intuitive, and ever-evolving. Rather than following a fixed method, he approaches each canvas fluidly, deconstructing and transforming until a work "comes together" in an unplanned, revelatory moment. When a piece's spirit fades, he starts over, believing that only through constant creation and destruction can a work truly find its form. This cycle of reimagining and deconstructing, guided by instinct and emotional exploration, defines his art.

This dynamic approach shapes a deeply personal conversation within each piece. The figures evoke a sense of emotional depth that lingers long after the viewer steps away. In "Walking Through the Darkness - Part 2," Zakeri sparks profound reflection, provokes thought, and challenges us to engage with the delicate balance between strength and fragility, offering a powerful meditation on the inherent struggles of the world around us.