Dastan’s Basement presents "Distinguished," a solo exhibition of paintings by Mohsen Alverdili, opening Friday, October 11th, 2024, and on view through November 1st, 2024. This marks Alverdili’s first solo exhibition with Dastan.

Alverdili’s work is known for its unique treatment of flat surfaces and meticulous observation of live models. However, his creative process doesn’t stop at objective representation. Through subtle, subjective interventions, he disrupts the initial structure of his visual world, creating compositions that engage the viewer with questions about identity, relationships, and human emotions. In "Distinguished," Alverdili introduces new dimensions by pairing figures within the frame, further heightening the complexity and ambiguity in his visual narratives.

Set against neutral backgrounds, much like traditional portraiture or ID photos, Alverdili’s figures stand out not only for their dramatic poses but also for their relational dynamics. Where his earlier works conveyed a sense of isolation or self-absorption, his new series invites viewers into an active dialogue, prompting them to ask, “What world is this?” Gestures, such as a finger thoughtfully placed beneath a chin, or a beard extending across a face, evoke narratives that are simultaneously personal and universal.

In some works, theatrical elements emerge, such as the whiteness of makeup reminiscent of Japanese Kabuki theater. Yet, this theatricality serves as a metaphor for the psychological interplay at the heart of Alverdili’s work rather than a direct reference to performance art. The minimalist use of color and the fluidity of form further intensify the dreamlike, mysterious atmosphere that permeates the exhibition, blurring the lines between gender and identity.

"Distinguished" invites viewers into a world that is at once familiar and enigmatic, offering a profound exploration of the human condition through Alverdili’s evolving portraiture.