Red Painting

When I was a young woman I was imprisoned for my political beliefs in Iran.  As we were continually being scolded, isolated, or tortured by our jailors for not practicing Islam in the “State Approved” manner, or for advocating democracy, or whatever other reason that the State might find seditious – it was perhaps understandable that we could feel abandoned by our fellow humans.            Some years ago, I wrote in my Thesis the following: “In the brutal reality of an Iranian women’s political prison, living in  limited space under constant pressure, where one has no freedom to openly express thoughts about anything, I would dream, while awake, of creativity and artistic expression.”       I do not know for certain, but sometimes I think it was my artistic temperament and my sense of wonder that helped me from being mentally destroyed in prison.        For even in the hell of that place, I sensed God’s presence in the selfless acts of some of my fellow inmates; in the rays of light that might pierce through the clouds; or in the soft snowflakes that floated down on us one winter’s day when we were out in the yard.      It is perhaps because of the lovely moments of reassurance I experienced in such an unlikely place as prison, that I feel inspired today by my continued sense of the presence of God when I paint a canvas or make a film.  I equate the act of creation with his love, and I truly believe art has the power to be a healing force in our troubled world.         My paintings of the recent years have been a blend, or hybrid, of Western and Middle Eastern influences.  My research into the origins of Islam and Islamic art has informed my work, particularly in my use of abstract shapes, calligraphy, geometric design, the repetition of organic forms, and the inclusion of figurative miniatures.  I incorporate these elements within the context of a contemporary Western abstract style.        Though I happen to be a practicing Muslim, the recognition that the God I worship is the same God one God worshipped by many Christians, Jews, and other faiths.  There is a need in our world for us to embrace our common humanity and to realize that all people must be free to believe as they wish.  An essential aspect of that freedom is the freedom not to believe as well, for that is basic to any concept of universal human rights.      That being said, the paintings appearing in this current collection celebrate my belief in a universal God of infinite love and mercy.  Though they exhibit patterns, letter forms, numerical representations, figures derived from Persian miniatures, phrases from the Quran evocative of the universality of different faiths around the world, and even the earth tones of my native Iran, I feel they explore an abstract “universe of the mind” common to us all.        For me, to “find” my art is very much wrapped up in the struggle to find myself; to continually find what excites or interests me in relation to myself, God, and my fellow human beings.  To a great extent, I have come to realize that all my art – even the darkest works I have done – are celebrations of life.  They invariably reflect my sense of wonder at the beauty of God’s creation.

Painting:Acrylic on Paper

Original:One-of-a-kind Artwork

Size:40 W x 58 H x 0.1 D in

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