Jungian Concept in Paintings

At her latest solo exhibition in Tehran, expressionist painter and sketch artist Niloufar Qaderinejad, 60, has shed light on the “Jungian shadow.”

Titled ‘The Shadow Inside,’ Qaderinejad’s exhibit is slated for May 5-15 at Sareban Art Gallery.

A collection of acrylic paintings on canvas will show the painter’s approach in rendering the concept introduced by Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961). He created some of the best known psychological concepts that emphasize the importance of the individual psyche and the personal quest for wholeness.

 In an amalgamation of mythological motifs, animal figures and human forms, Qaderinejad illustrates the dark, unconscious aspect of human personality, according to Tandis magazine of visual arts (tandismag.com)

She has painted human and animals merged in each other, in reference to the “unconscious self” of the human being, the mysterious dark side that is the source of creativity, which is portrayed in the exhibit with expressive strokes and in vibrant colors. In spite of its function as a reservoir for human darkness, or perhaps because of this, the shadow is the seat of creativity, Jung believed.

In Qaderinejad’s paintings, the primitive animal instincts are embodied in the animals poised to leap or struggling to be unleashed.

Her animals and zoomorphic figures are further empowered by mythological symbols and motifs that seem to be in an eternal struggle.

Qaderinejad has always been attracted to dynamic and figurative subjects such as rushing people, furious poses, deteriorating forms, overwhelmed figures, moments of rebellion, resisting instances, epic figures, bravery and sacrifice.

The gallery is located at No. 130, West Howeyzeh St., Sohrevardi St., and is open all days except Tuesdays. Visiting hours are from 4-8 pm.