ARTIST SARVIN HAGHIGHI’S INSTALLATION, “WHISPERING WALLS” EXPLORES REALITY OF LIVING IN CHICAGO AS IRANIAN EXPATRIATE

Whispering Walls

September 11 – November 1, 2015

Grand Opening - October 9, 2015

Storefronts along South Halsted & 18th Streets in Pilsen (1822-1843 South Halsted)

In the spring of 2015, Iranian artist Sarvin Haghighi exhibited an installation of mixed media at the Evanston Arts Center, titled, “Whispering Walls”. The evocative piece explored the duality of being of Iranian descent, living in Chicago. The installation has now been chosen to be expanded upon as part of ShowPODS’ fall program – coming to life via seven select storefronts on Halsted Street. The enhanced installation, presented as part of The Chicago Arts District’s Second Fridays, and included in Chicago Artists Month (CAM), runs September 11 – November 1, 2015.

“My intention with this installation is to share part of Persian / Iranian culture, which I’ve found many Americans have limited knowledge of”, said Haghighi. “With this installation, I hope to close the gap between the two cultures. And I’m thrilled this work will enjoy a greater audience now that it will be on display in the Halsted Street storefronts, and included in CAM programming.”

The enhanced installation speaks to a hybrid reality, born of an Iranian-US experience – anchored in the artist’s new home, Chicago. As such, the work is grounded in traditional Iranian customs, yet bears a distinct overlay of US/Chicago culture.  The exhibit will come to life via seven storefronts along South Halsted and 18th Streets, in Pilsen. It will be comprised of mixed media, including: paintings, installations, sculpture and be very experiential.

About Second Fridays

The Chicago Arts District, formerly known as PilsenEast, encompasses several contiguous blocks of lofts, studios and retail spaces for artists, gallerists, and creative individuals. Every 2nd Friday of the month, the galleries of the Chicago Arts District invite the public to view new and exciting exhibitions. The public is invited to explore the 30+ creative spaces in the Chicago Arts District at South Halsted and 18th Streets as they showcase an exciting display of art and artists from Chicago and beyond. This unique art community opens its doors, free of charge, and lets viewers get up close and personal with the art and artists. 

About Chicago Artist Month (CAM)

CAM is an initiative of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events that showcases the work of Chicago’s independent artists and arts organizations. As a platform for independently-produced events and programs in all disciplines, CAM highlights creative activity in Chicago neighborhoods; encourages tourism and small business development; fosters collaboration and opportunities for creative expression and learning.

And the walls continue to whisper...

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE - WHISPERING WALLS ShowPODs are a series of 7 exhibition spaces in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. Conceptualized by John Podmajersky III and created by the Chicago Arts District, ShowPODs create an instant art experience in a non-traditional space and can viewed by anyone at anytime during the life of its installation.

Each year six artists are selected to showcase their art and I am honored to have been selected for the fall exhibit. My aim remains the same; to share part of Persian - Iranian - culture which the vast majority may not be familiar with, therefore The Whispering Walls continues to close the gap between cultures and also to break down the traditional barrier between the Artist and Art enthusiasts. The exhibit will come to life via seven storefronts along Halsted Street in Pilsen. It will be comprised of mixed media, including: paintings, installations, sculpture and will be very experiential.

The sketches were fully a completed few weeks back and we are now in the preparation phase. I am blessed to have an amazing artist helping me out.  She has been my role model and the one person who really got me interested in art; my lovely mom, Nasrin Moghadam. Together we are now creating the first elements of the exhibit and there is a long way to go. The first stages of this project is coming together in Michigan. I couldn't really ask for more, having my mom here, listening to amazing music, the sound of wind blowing through the greenest leaves you could imagine...this is a little pieces of heaven for sure.

More detailed information and instruction coming soon on what to expect and also on how to get involved as a viewer. For now, just look out for more on #WhisperingWalls...

Whispering Walls revealed...

This past Sunday - June 14th 2015 - we celebrated the new location of Evanston Art Center with some amazing art. The first show in the new location called "Hybrid's Paradise" curated by Sergio Gomez will be open to public for visit till August 9th 2015. I was honored to be selected as one of the artists for this amazing event so I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a bit about Whispering Walls.

Sarvin Haghighi

Whispering Walls 2015

Installation of mixed media including glass blocks, ink, paper, and oil paint.

 CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PIECE IN THIS SHORT VIDEO

Artist Statement

Building off the notion of walls, and how they serve to protect and safeguard, I conceived this installation as a way to represent the fused reality of my hybrid existence. The piece is meant to link together the equally rich, but often diametrically opposed cultures of the Eastern and Western worlds.

I choose glass blocks for the exterior of this piece, as they are commonplace here in Chicago – my new home since moving here from Dubai in 2012. They speak to the architectural significance and wonder of this great city. And they present a nice, polished façade – much like many of us try to do in daily life. Yet their transparency allows the viewer to get a suggestive glimpse at what lies beneath.

While the overall color palette speaks to American patriotism, and my new home - what’s imbedded between the exterior panels is what speaks to my core. As a child, my parents would read to me the poetry of Rumi, which to this day remains a large part of my soul. I like to think his words whisper through these foreign walls to the viewer – conveying a universal and timeless message.

Special thanks to:-

• Sergio Gomez for having this piece on the exhibit and for the video
• David Mugra for writing this amazing artist statement on this piece
• Mohsen Kamza for adding music to the video
• Song title - Elements by Lindsey Stirling