Ronewa Art Projects (Berlin), in collaboration with O Gallery (Tehran), is pleased to announce their first joint exhibition titled “A Journey Through Nature’s Papers.” Curated by Orkideh Daroodi, this exhibition features 29 captivating works on paper by six talented Iranian artists, with an opening reception on Thursday, August 3, from 18:00 to 20:00. Each work by the participating artists offers a unique perspective on the theme of nature and landscape.

Oftentimes, the representation of “nature” in contemporary art transcends mere aesthetic appreciation. While a work of art may be viewed as a depiction of nature, it can also represent various concepts, such as social, political, cultural, and environmental issues that plague our society.

Featured artists:

In Donya Aalipour’s (b. 1995 Tehran) work, a self-portrait surrounded by natural elements, one can see an abstract gap between the tangible and the emotional; the juxtaposition of bold, sharp colors against fluid, calm airbrushed paint reveals the hidden complexities of one’s relationship to self. The interplay between the human form (the self) and nature not only underscores our connection to the environment but also emphasizes the symbiotic relationship that exists between the inner and outer worlds.

Serminaz Barseghian (b. 1987 Tehran) takes on a more representational approach, drawing three familiar landscapes in splines (stripes), borrowing from her father’s distinguished technique, and adding her own personal touch while wireframing the images on the surface. In these works, ideas of transience are explored both visually and conceptually. Through her meticulous depiction, she challenges the notions of accuracy and permanency, of what perhaps is and what will be down the line, emphasizing the uncertainty of images and fixed reality.

Nature is a recurring theme in Aylar Dastgiri’s (b. 1988 Tehran) work. Taking on a more spontaneous and relaxed position in her digital paintings, she primarily draws these images from memory, referencing the similarities and differences between theatre and painting, most importantly, the difference between what comes to life on stage and what turns to still-life in her work. While in her larger-scale paintings, she creates a spatial illusion that tries to place the viewer inside her paintings; in these works, the titles of the paintings such as “Move Your Eyes,” “You Are Not Fixed,” and “You Are Standing at an Altitude of 6745 Meters”, try to create a similar atmosphere to further involve the viewer by fabricating a moment of presence.

Departing from traditional representational styles, Armin Ebrahimi (b. 1984 Tehran) explores the essence and emotions of landscape through abstract forms and fragmented brushstrokes. Through his unique approach, he transcends the confines of literal representation and delves into allegory and symbolism. His artworks intertwine personal narratives with broader historical references, invoking diverse cultural identities and their associated histories. Ebrahimi adeptly maneuvers between the figurative and abstract realms, rendering their demarcation nearly indiscernible.

Maryam Mohry’s (b. 1979 Tehran) multifaceted approach highlights her passion for nature and gardening, infusing her works with a distinct sense of creativity and storytelling. Be it a large-scale drawing with various characters or small works with single characters, she beautifully merges the realms of storytelling, love of nature, and environmental advocacy. Using collage, Mohry further enhances her artistic expression, adding depth, texture, and a sense of playfulness, creating captivating and thought-provoking works.

What stands out in Razieh Sedighian’s (b. 1986 Tehran) work is the masterful manipulation of dots and lines, creating a vacuum; her works transcend time and place. Using a limited palette of white, blue, and black, her landscape depictions, while somewhat ambiguous, subtly allude to the fragility of our natural world. The juxtaposition of never exhibited works from 2008 alongside recent works allows viewers to witness the evolution and progression of her artistic exploration.

The works collectively become visual metaphors, evoking a sense of curiosity and inviting the viewers to delve into their own memories, emotions, and reflections, contemplating their perspectives and connections to nature. By layering personal experiences with natural imagery, a rich tapestry is created for introspection and dialogue.