Parisa Projects is thrilled to announce its participation in Untitled Art Miami Beach 2024, showcasing a mesmerizing dual presentation of paintings by Iranian artists Sadegh Khalife (b. 1983) and Rozhan Bagheri (1995), fresh talents discovered at the KHOR Art Prize in collaboration with the SARAI gallery. The show will be on view from December 4th to 8th in Miami, Florida.
Both artists, active in the Iranian contemporary art scene, have encapsulated contemporary human concerns within their works through their distinct visual languages. While Sadegh Khalife, drawing upon his experiences in the industrial sector, presents environmental concerns to the viewer through his haunting depictions of industrial spaces, Rojan Bagheri uses the visual language of traditional Iranian painting to explore contemporary themes, particularly feminism and the exploration of a lost paradise.
Sadegh Khalife's artworks reflect his deep connection to the oil-rich regions of southern Iran, where he has witnessed firsthand the social and environmental consequences of oil extraction. His paintings, particularly those in the Black Trace series, serve as a powerful critique of the industry. The ominous black masses that dominate his works symbolize death and annihilation, contrasting starkly with the beauty of the natural world. Khalife often incorporates elements of the oil industry, such as pipes and facilities, into his compositions, highlighting their destructive impact.
In her Lost Paradise: Lilith series, Rojan Bagheri envisions a heaven, a realm lost to modern humanity, and uses elements inspired by historical artworks to reinterpret the myth of Lilith, a figure from the Bible who defies societal expectations. She redefines Lilith, often portrayed as a rebellious, demonic woman, as a symbol of female empowerment to challenge the patriarchal narrative that usually marginalizes and demonizes women. Her paintings, characterized by vivid, flat colors and vertical compositions, echo the traditional Iranian artistic style, while her main focus on the female protagonist invites viewers to contemplate identity, agency, and the complexities of womanhood in today's world.
