Statement:

Praising movement:

In the course of its development and throughout its lifetime, every phenomenon depicts the manifestation of a diversity of forms, and the outcome of this process is expressed by a sequence of patterns and through repetition and self-emulation. As it evolves, nature is in movement, and the continuous creation of various forms of existence illustrates complex networks that circulate triumphantly in the shape of innumerable species. It is the perpetual turbulence of life, along with its deaths, lives, and a series of inner additions and subtractions, that creates such grand movement, one which seems to have ancient ties with life and living. This movement gives life to the structure of our world and, at every glance, creation moves from chaotic forms towards constructive order.

There is a bond between nature and the extent to which we are aware of ourselves, a bond consistently evolving through perception. This transformation takes place in the context of countless interactions and interpretations. Throughout this process, the mind operates as a single unit, capable of adapting countless patterns and creating different interpretations and possibilities, simultaneously with its inner revelations. Each of us moves forward on the path of our own personal growth, but if we put this individuality aside for a moment and view this global labyrinth on an equal footing, we will see a chain of bonds that are woven into us. We are but a single point among countless dots, and the world comes to life and strives as a living organism in the context of these interactions. Our perception as an observer shifts through a sequence of patterns, and, within this cognitive journey, the mind is capable of building new means of communication thanks to the power of imagination and as an expansive unit, thus discovering meaningful awareness in this tumultuous world.

Contemplating observation:

Looking within oneself requires a form of uniformity. Viewing the world as a network of connected existences allows us to see how the strands of this bond are woven into us and how the universe evolves as a living phenomenon with an infinite frame.

As one of the layers of existence, we humans bear witness to a glorious symphony whose simultaneous growth and decline is capable of creating a revolution within. The external world is infinite, and a manifestation of this world moves forward indefinitely deep within us. Symmetric observation inside and outside places the mind in a position where focus on any specific perspective or status challenges the discovery of truth. Uniformity of observation provides an opportunity for these two worlds to become one. This interpretation might be the result of an ancient connection between us and what lies ahead; a small component acting as a mirror to put a grand existence on display. We are observers who bear witness; in return, we ourselves are viewed by that which we observe. We create images and view them. Looking deep within brings us face to face with our imagination and we begin a journey of discovery, to the depths of everything, reaching their most fundamental particles. Imagination functions like a living being, transporting us to the greatest depths of meaning and imagery. This is a clear look into the potent realm of discovery, breaking down mental frameworks and allowing consciousness to flow regardless of any comparison or contrast. Having been mere observers just moments before, we are now the creators of what we see, binding what moves and its movement in one existence.

Opening the equation:

This collection looks to discover how forms that are created simultaneously through both chaos and order are developed and diversified, thus bringing countless possibilities together. In exploring life, I have come across signs and gained visual experiences, some of which I explicitly display here, with another part being the result of what I have read, seen, and also not seen through my experiences, all imaginatively interwoven together. Along this path, the experience of different situations and familiarity with the ideas of those that came before us provided me with proper conditions for favorable growth, opening the doors toward this common mentality. Through research on how natural structures and the geometry concealed in the depths of phenomena are formed, I was led toward the discovery of the patterns and inner secrets of this order in our minds. This journey within was a reflection of the boundless world of connections that poetically expands. There is a collective movement in which all the pieces are so well-placed that the displacement of any single one does not disrupt the continuity of life as a whole, with the “whole” maintaining an independent existence from the sum of its parts. In “connected spectra”, I focused on a spectral perspective toward phenomena and how they are bound together. I study how the sky and the earth are connected and, by simplifying their components into lines, I find common linear origins between them. In this collection, however, I studied this ‘hyle’ in more detail, using it in the structure and creation of the paintings. This quest ultimately led to the study and linear design of cosmic images and nebulae and the construction of lines deriving from them. The combination of forms extracted from the depths of the skies builds the foundation and visual structure of this collection; it is their movement and sequentiality that breathes life into the space and accompanies the spectator on this journey.

Maryam Farshad