October 5 – 16, 2011
Opening: Saturday, October 8, 2 – 5 pm
GALLERY 1313
1313 QUEEN STREET WEST,
TORONTO, ON M6K 1K8
T: 416 – 536-6778
E mail: director@g1313.org
www.gallery13131.org
Hours: Wed – Sun 1- 6
Shafagh Azhandeh ‘s art works are mix of textures and materials in a simple two dimensional platform.
The idea behind her paintings is to picture the sense of new modern life aside with natural and sensational part of human kind, which is often ignored.
She has tried to show these two separate worlds using simple shapes and raw colours with the desire to connect with the viewer. Combining both simplicity and beauty at the same time is challenging for Azhandeh, however she believes that she has never sacrificed one for the other. What was interesting in this experience is that, she has found it easier to have modern life’s elements (which she calls “concrete items”) in the beginning of her adventure than with spiritual ones. In this journey, she was able to slowly move from these simple “concrete items” toward natural based symbols (which she “meadow details”).
She uses flat layers as simple elements and tries to experience their impact on the viewer by choosing the right colours, textures, contrast, and sizes. These textures sometimes develop the need to 3d elements which in turn require new separations.
As a new immigrant from Iran, she experienced the challenge of adapting to new culture without ignoring her cultural roots. In the same manner she has tried to be faithful to my soul (as a source of humanity) as well as accepting the reality of our modern life. For Azhandeh, life that can help us to express ourselves can also distance us from each other and even away from our own soul.
Shafagh Azhandeh was born in Shiraz, Iran where she taught art for fourteen years before moving to Canada . She continues to exhibit in Canada.