Sharpness
Majid Kamrani, Zahra Ghyasi, Maryam Farzadian, and Hooman Bayat
Opening at Aaran Gallery on 24th February 2017
On view until 6th March

This exhibition attempts to bring together works that are sharp, crisp and well defined. The artists whose works are displayed are extremely focused not only on their impeccable technique but on their subject matters. They paint Real things and objects and by representing key characteristics of their subjects, they offer a different reading of that which is Real. Through the process and proficiency in their chosen media, these artists are capable of interacting with reality, and infuse their own emotions, social values and perception of the world. The Sharpness of images in these highly detailed paintings, are perplexing for the viewers, leaving them wondering whether they are photographs or paintings. In these highly narrative paintings each creates a cutting edge unique world.
Majid Kamrani, explores today in the passage of yesterday. He frequently moves between memories and present day realities. He celebrates the life of his mother, a lady who raised her children at the wheel of her sewing machine. The purity of feeling and the emotional nature of these self portraits are awe-inspiring; a moment away from the disheveled and difficult everyday life in order to be reminded of that which is truly beautiful.
Zahra Ghyasi, creates accidents that are inspired by imagery from crash-tests at automobile factories. She concentrates on the moment of clash and the rush of adrenaline and successfully portrays the force of impact. Allegorically, the clash of cars are to remind us of violence but artist is not interested to show the after math of the accident, the aim is to show banality of evil. Having lived in different countries, through her paintings she is determined to create a new reality, one that is her own and is actual and can’t be taken away from her.
Maryam Farzadian, creates a definitive rendering of certain objects that can both be used as tools for building and offer gratification or become instruments of destruction and cause pain. It is possible to imagine that history and collective social memory is hidden in the layers of these paintings. The narrative and emotive qualities of these works render their own reality; Textures, facades, lighting and shadows are more pronounced than reality of any of the objects, reminding the viewer that “objects in mirror are closer than they appear”.
Hooman Bayat, using wide brush strokes, artist is able to create crystal clear images. By painting symbols of multinational brands, such as Coca Cola, artist references the status that these objects have gained in everyday life, symbols and objects which will remain recognizable long after we are gone. In his paintings the objects replace humans and show diversity and create a new kind of still lifes. More often than not the objects are broken and smashed, and reference triviality of material. At the same time critic of abuse of natural resources and wastefulness in our society is detectable.