The young Iranian artist Omid Shayan has showcased his paintings at the Artlab Gallery in Beirut. Works displayed in the exhibit titled ‘A Middle Eastern Night’s Dream’ serve as an escape from the bitter realities of the Middle East, Honaronline reported.
Representing escapist fantasies, Shayan’s imagery highlights daydreams that distract the viewers from daily boredom, if only for a short time.
“Many countries in the region deal with political, economic and social problems. In a bid to escape from the difficulties they face every day, people wear a mask hiding their emotions from their surroundings. Although the mask may make them feel better temporarily, but it simply does not solve or alleviate their problems,” Shayan said.
Each painting has a separate theme, showing various moments of Middle Eastern people.
“In addition, different social classes are depicted which suggests that problems exist among all strata of society,” he added.
Born in Nishabur, Khorasan Razavi Province in northeastern Iran, Shayan, 35, holds a bachelor’s degree in painting from Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Tehran.
He has held several exhibitions in Tehran, partaken in many group exhibitions in and out of the country and won prizes.
He is a permanent member of the Society of Iranian Painters.
The artist’s 16 paintings and 20 drawings will be on display in his solo exhibition until April 23.
