Amir Khojasteh's 'Living in a Burning House' at Canvas Gallery
Canvas Gallery presents 'Living in a Burning House,' a solo exhibition by Iranian artist Amir Khojasteh. The show features paintings and bronze head sculptures of mythical 'divs' (demons from Persian mythology), created amid the 2022 Iranian uprising. Khojasteh uses black veiled canvases and curved dome-shaped supports inspired by Qajar-era (1789-1925) painting to accentuate the primal presence of these creatures. The works explore the shift from tragedy to comedy, absurdity, and the artist's attempt to make sense of unsettling times. Bronze sculptures capture divs in defeated states, symbolizing triumph over adversity. Paintings incorporate monotype-like textures and white lines that inject visual energy. Khojasteh describes the state of 'living in a burning house' as perpetual, with each work serving as a self-portrait or commentary on a bizarre situation. The exhibition includes the painting 'A Man, Burning N2' (2023, oil on canvas, 200 x 180 cm).
Key facts
- Exhibition titled 'Living in a Burning House' at Canvas Gallery.
- Artist Amir Khojasteh created works during the Iranian uprising.
- Works feature mythical divs (demons) from Persian mythology.
- Bronze sculptures depict divs in defeated states.
- Paintings use black veiled canvases and curved dome shapes from Qajar-era painting.
- Monotype-like textures and white lines appear on canvases.
- The painting 'A Man, Burning N2' (2023, oil on canvas, 200 x 180 cm) is included.
- Khojasteh describes the state as 'living in a burning house'.
Entities
Artists
- Amir Khojasteh
Institutions
- Canvas Gallery