World Builders: Artist as Architect

Leila Heller Gallery is thrilled to announce the opening of "World Builders: Artist as Architect," curated by Donna Honarpisheh, PhD. The exhibition will be held at Leila Heller Gallery in New York City from April 2nd to April 29th, 2024.

"World Builders: Artist as Architect" delves into the intricate relationship between modern architecture and visual art, showcasing how these disciplines intersect as practices of world building. The concept extends beyond the tangible, encompassing both the conceptual and concrete realms of fine arts and architecture. By examining the meaning of artists as architects, the exhibition explores the shared drive to construct and define the world through structure, design, materiality, and imagination.

Featuring the works of globally renowned artists including Jehangir Vazifdar, Marcos Grigorian, Wassef Boutros-Ghali, and Tarik Currimbhoy, the exhibition offers a diverse array of perspectives on 20th-century urbanism and modernization. These artists, who have enjoyed prolific careers as both artists and architects, bring a unique blend of artistic vision and architectural precision to their work.

Jehangir Vazifdar, celebrated for his contributions to India's modern urban landscape, presents a stunning collection of paintings, collages, and drawings that reflect his mastery of abstraction and figuration. His innovative techniques, including the use of a "Color Alphabet and Dictionary," offer viewers a glimpse into his rich visual vocabulary and profound artistic sensibility.

Wassef Boutros-Ghali's transition from architecture to painting is evident in his exploration of abstract forms and vibrant colors. Drawing inspiration from architectural modernity, Boutros-Ghali creates mesmerizing compositions that challenge conventional notions of space and movement.

Marcos Grigorian's earthworks pay homage to the materials and communities of Iranian village life, offering a radical reinterpretation of modernist art in dialogue with traditional craftsmanship. His innovative use of natural resources underscores the interconnectedness of art, architecture, and everyday life.

Tarik Currimbhoy's kinetic sculptures blur the boundaries between art and architecture, inviting viewers to experience the interplay of form, space, and gravity. His dynamic works reflect his background in architecture and industrial design, offering a fresh perspective on the relationship between sculpture and the built environment.

"World Builders: Artist as Architect" promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of the symbiotic relationship between art and architecture. Don't miss the opportunity to experience this groundbreaking exhibition, which pushes the boundaries of creativity and innovation.

ABOUT THE CURATOR:

Donna Honarpisheh, PhD is Associate Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Miami. She is also a scholar of Global Modernisms and has taught courses at Sarah Lawrence College, Fordham University, and UC-Berkeley. She received her PhD at UC-Berkeley in Comparative Literature and Critical Theory where she wrote a dissertation on post-1953 Iranian modernist art in a global context.