The newly-established Anahita Art Gallery in Tehran opened with a painting exhibition of Leila Refahi.
Titled ‘Life, Suspended’ the exhibition showcases 29 oil paintings by the artist. Similar to her previous works, the paintings have “an environmental approach,” Honaronline reported.
“I have worked on endangered animals in this collection. They are shown in their natural but insecure habitat and the danger they face can be seen in their expression,” she said.
Environment and nature have always been of interest to Refahi. “I focus on the environment and the intimidating behavior of man against nature and animals. By extending the concept of nature in a surreal atmosphere, I try to unify various concepts in a multi-layered approach,” she added.
Poaching of endangered animals inspired her to create the collection. “The loss is irreversible and the human footprint is clear in it.”
Explaining the hyper realistic style (a genre of painting and sculpture resembling a high-resolution photograph) she has used in her works, the young painter said, “The paintings are delicately and carefully created to impact my audience.”
Suspension is important in her works and the animals appear to be floating. “Here, suspension is an instant between existence and disappearance.”
Zina Azimi, the gallery director, said, “As an independent gallery, it seeks to support young talent and present artworks with strong intellectual and theoretical reflections through careful selection of artists.”
Supported by the Institute of Political-Economic Studies ‘Porsesh’, the gallery seeks to expand intellectual and avant-garde approaches in visual arts. “Training artists both in technical and theoretical fields is among the goals,” Azimi said.
“The gallery’s approach towards fine arts has a social purpose as we believe that unless art coordinates with social issues, it cannot fulfill its objectives,” she added.
The exhibition is open till July 7 at No. 3, Shabnam Alley, Ghaem Magham St.
