EAC Installation - First stages

I had the sketch, the idea, the vision and most importunely the approval to go ahead with my installation for the opening ceremony of Evanston Art Center (EAC)'s new location. Now it was time to make it happen. The theme is Hybrid's Paradise and as always my aim was to share my culture. My installation proposal consists of glass blocks which you see everywhere in Chicago mixed with Farsi calligraphy of Rumi Poetry and Persian and Islamic architectural designs.

I need to add that this is one of the installations I will have at EAC . The other one will be part of the same project but with completely different material. With these installations I aim to combine some part of both cultures of East and West.

After many trips to Home Depot (I can say I have hit most of their Chicago locations!) I got all the materials I needed. I did some testing obviously prior to get them all and worked my way through the process.

The blocks are not that light so to have 5 rows to 5 blocks each is not the easiest job to do. I am getting closer to the final stages and will post more images as we get closer to the event but the final creation will be revealed only on June 14th 2015 during the official opening ceremony of the new home for EAC.

Once again I can not mention how thrilled I am to be part of these amazing group of artists. More photos and updates coming up within the next few days. You will see the progress. You can also follow me on Instagram, Twitter and FaceBook.

Introducing "The Persepolis Project"

The fiery destruction of Persepolis as a result of a drunken rage or a strategic geo-political move by Macedonian conquerors will be debated by his historians for ages. But the ages still whisper as you stand at the gates of this ancient city. Despite it’s torching in 330 BCE Once wandering it’s streets once still senses it’s unique place in Persian history as the the seat of government for the Achaemenian kings and a center for reception and ceremonial festivities. On first visit there I spent hours mesmerized by the carvings and the artistry of my ancestors. Those voices heard as faint echo’s from stone inspired the idea of creating the Perspolis Project.  I aim to amplify the whispers of those  amazing carvings - the Human-Headed Winged Lion, colossal bull head, Persian soldiers who are shown to be bringing tribute and gifts to the Persian king as a token of their loyalty - all are shown in these series mixed with a modern twist and using different media such as Farsi calligraphy, ink, paper, Acrylic, etc on wood panels. Dimensions vary. I invite you to view some of the art images HERE. The project is an ongoing project so stay tuned for some new images soon.

Art in Melbourne - Visit of The NGV

My last visit to Australia was short and sweet. Although the main reason was to spend some quality time with family, I could not resist going to view some art in Melbourne with my mom. National Gallery of Victoria is located in Melbourne - mostly known as the NGC - is an art museum founded in 1861 and is considered the oldest public art museum in Australia. The museum operates across two sites right opposite of each other: NGV International which is locate don St Kilda road in the heart of the Melbounr Art Precinct of Southbank and The Ian Potter Center which is located nearby Federation Square. I personally enjoyed both locations but if this is your first time in Melbourne you need to spend some time in Federation Square itself. It's just surrounded by amazing architectural designs and nice cafes. Within all the artworks I saw at the NGV, the one that really caught our attention was the interesting work by a Brazilian Artist, Rivane Neuenschwander's Watchword dated back to 2012. It invites audiences to select different clothing labels that feathers words adapted from handmade protest banners and slogans found on the intervened and pin them into an abstracted map of the world. The artist intends that the choice of words and how they are re-formed and re-enter the world, will manifest the audience's values and hopes.

I just love it when the artists try to interact with their audience through their art. This is how artists can send a powerful message to the world and truly share their art and thoughts.