An exhibition of paintings ‘The Bewilderments of Vincent’ by artist Parisa Sahafi-Asl has opened at Shalman Art Gallery in Tehran.
The works are inspired by 15 paintings of renowned painter Vincent Van Gogh, depicting a contrast between the conditions and ideals of the time he lived in and the 21st century, Mehr News Agency reported.
The artworks criticize present-day realities such as infringement of human rights, inclination towards luxury, superficiality, deviation from human values, widening gap between the rich and poor, environmental degradation and addiction in its various forms as well as consumerism, by giving viewers an artistic perspective whereby they can behold and compare the discrepancies of the 19th and 21st centuries.
Sahafi-Asl in her works conveys the idea that if Van Gogh had lived today what factors would drift him away from “the person who we know as Van Gogh.”
Van Gogh (1853–1890) was a post-impressionist Dutch artist whose work had a far-reaching influence on 20th-century art. His output includes portraits, self portraits, landscapes and still life of cypresses, wheat fields and sunflowers.
“My paintings are meant not to depict Vincent’s bewilderments, but to expose the modern human face in an era of thoughtlessness,” Sahafi-Asl said.
She says man in the modern world has forgotten his inner self and considers violence the only way to prove his existence. “Due to the powerful grip of consumerism, he has become an object without a free will and the ability to think.”
Sahafi-Asl, 31, holds a master degree in arts research and has held several exhibitions in different cities. She is particularly enamored by Van Gogh’s technique and frame of mind.
The exhibit will run until September 30 at the gallery at no. 27, Kavusi Alley, West Roodbar St., Mirdamad Blvd., Tehran.
