EAC Installation - First stages

I had the sketch, the idea, the vision and most importunely the approval to go ahead with my installation for the opening ceremony of Evanston Art Center (EAC)'s new location. Now it was time to make it happen. The theme is Hybrid's Paradise and as always my aim was to share my culture. My installation proposal consists of glass blocks which you see everywhere in Chicago mixed with Farsi calligraphy of Rumi Poetry and Persian and Islamic architectural designs.

I need to add that this is one of the installations I will have at EAC . The other one will be part of the same project but with completely different material. With these installations I aim to combine some part of both cultures of East and West.

After many trips to Home Depot (I can say I have hit most of their Chicago locations!) I got all the materials I needed. I did some testing obviously prior to get them all and worked my way through the process.

The blocks are not that light so to have 5 rows to 5 blocks each is not the easiest job to do. I am getting closer to the final stages and will post more images as we get closer to the event but the final creation will be revealed only on June 14th 2015 during the official opening ceremony of the new home for EAC.

Once again I can not mention how thrilled I am to be part of these amazing group of artists. More photos and updates coming up within the next few days. You will see the progress. You can also follow me on Instagram, Twitter and FaceBook.

Bucket Feet Event at Soho House Chicago

During Art week at Soho House Chicago, another fun event was held.  We were given a pair of white shoes to paint on! Thanks to Bucketfeet, A Chicago based Company which was launched in 2011 after two strangers met in Argentina - an artist and a backpacker -. A pair of hand-drawn shoes inspired the idea of the company and showed the power of art bringing people together. Soho house members were provided a pair of Bucketfeet shoes to design. Amazing music, great atmosphere, lots of creative people, that is just a recipe to create something fun. And this is the result! The shapes are all from Persian (Islamic) designs and the Farsi calligraphy is a Rumi poem which translates into "When I found love I became immortal". Art week at Soho House Chicago has been such a fun and amazing week with lots of different and fun activities which brings all art lovers together.

Art week at Soho House Chicago

It's no secret that Soho House is the place for arts and artists but this week has been something really special. It's the art week at Soho House which means there is an interesting event on each day. This past Wednesday, January 21st, Damien Hirst's piece was unveiled. The piece spells "Chicago" with real butterflies and it is placed in the Allis Restaurant located on the main floor of the building. Hirst was born in 1965. He emerged as a leading figure in the young British Artists movement in the late 80s. He has shocked and surprised the art world with his unusual works. While not everyone was enthralled with his work, his biggest supporter was Charles Saatchi, advertising titan and art collector. Saatchi funded Damien Hirst's first works and also started collecting Hirst's pieces. But whilst his works, has been praised by many art critics throughout the years, he has been also condemned for killing animals in order to create his art. The Artist was landed in a row with RSPCA while exhibiting his work "In and out of love"  after it was revealed that more than 9,000 butterflies died during the 23 weeks of this exhibit in Tate back in 2012. It's understandable that there might be a bit of mixed feelings about his works and the medium that he uses but this should not stop you to go and see one of his pieces up close at Soho House Chicago.

http://www.damienhirst.com