Arash Nazari: Poem is My Name

Dubai, UAE – Leila Heller Gallery is delighted to announce the upcoming solo exhibition by Arash Nazari, titled 'Poem is My Name', opening 23rd January 2024. 

'Poem is my Name,' delves into the poetic essence of miniature, presenting images inspired by the rich tapestry of life. The collection draws on the intrinsic connection between poetry and visual art, inviting viewers to not only read poems but also experience them through the visual medium of paintings. 

Arash Nazari's work highlights the role of art in conveying the language of poetry, offering a profound connection between words and images. Reflecting on the collection, Nazari says, "Successive wars, conquests, destructions, and reconstructions have shaped history, leaving behind a few enduring remnants – buildings, poems, and paintings. 'Poem is my Name' is a journey through time, a reinterpretation of historical patterns and colours. It is an exploration of the joy of recreating these patterns and a tribute to the novel 'My Name is Red.'"

Nazari's adaptation of historical images in 'Poem is my Name' is a testament to the artist's reflections on the beauty and aesthetics prevalent in miniature art. Whether portraying mystical and non-terrestrial aspects or capturing the visual pleasure of sultans, the collection unveils a world that rejects darkness and inequality. Through the lens of Nazari, every scene, from royal feasts to epic battles, embodies a pure expression and an ideal world where beauty and aesthetics reign supreme.

Arash Nazari has intricately woven poetic inspiration into a contemporary reinterpretation of historical themes, showcasing a unique approach to miniature art. Each piece narrates a unique story, a poetic journey that transcends time and resonates with the enduring beauty found in the realm of miniature art.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Arash Nazari is a self-taught Iranian artist. Unlike many artists who have been interested in art since childhood, Nazari was keenly interested in mathematics and geometry. His first collection of works was done by combining the space of Qajar and Renaissance paintings with the use of hand-held and more computerised etudes on mirror steel. 

Nazari looks at his work as a tool for self-healing, seeing, enjoying and accepting the anomalies of our seemingly modern world. His works including this new collection showcases a conflict between tradition and modernity.