Parallel Lives comes to life in NY this June

  Parallel lives is a traveling exhibition series that swaps Artists work between two distinct cities to initiate conversation and context about Artist’s practices and their communities. This exhibit is created and curated by Luis Martin, Founder and Chief Curator of Parenthesis Art Space in NY. I had the honor to meet and get to know Luis during one of his Chicago visits.

This collaboration invites the audience of both cities to think about art and the Artists that made the work in terms of context and questions the influence of place and time. Furthermore, the PARALLEL LIVES series will create a platform to expand the Artist’s reach to forge a wider sense of community and visibility.

The first part of the show took place during the Zhou B Art center's third Fridays at Art NXT Level Projects / 33 Contemporary Gallery which exhibited works of selected artists by Luis Martin from NY. As part of the Traveling Series Parallel Lives, Artists from Chicago will be showing their work during Bushwick Open Studios (BOS). I'm honored to be featured in this amazing exhibit at Parenthesis Art Space in New York curated by Luis Martin and Chicago's very own Sergio Gomez. Being in NY is obviously always exciting and the fact that I will be there celebrating this amazing exhibit with such talented group of artists, is just phenomenal.

The exhibit is open to public on June 4-5th 2016 from 11 am to 6 pm located at 203 Harrison Place, Brooklyn, NY 11237. In addition, on Sunday, June 5th at 1 pm, there will be a special Artist talk called "Closing the Gap" by Artist and curator, Sergio Gomez. In this dynamic talk, Sergio will share advise on how to convert obstacles and fears into life-changing opportunities. Dr. Yanina Gomez will also share that one thing we all need to help us foster and maintain an optimistic mindset. Don't miss this event!

We can not wait to celebrate with you. Come join us and let's connect Chicago and NY Art scene more than ever before.

Hybrid's Paradise Exhibit @ Evanston Art Centre's new location

There are exciting things happening in Evanston. The Evanston Art Center (EAC) is moving to its new location soon. Founded back in early 1930, EAC has been always dedicated to fostering the appreciation and expression of the arts amongst diverse audiences by believing in the power of art to inspire, amaze and enrich.  EAC offers extensive and innovative instruction in board areas of artistic endeavor through various classes, exhibition, art activities and community outreach.

It is an honor to have my artwork selected for the opening ceremony of EAC to celebrate their new location. The selection process was curated by the one and only Sergio Gomez who is a s a Chicago-based visual artist and creative entrepreneur. He is also the Director of Exhibitions at the Zhou B. Art Center.  I can not describe how I felt when I found out my name is within the artists handpicked by him for this special event.  The name of the exhibit is "Hybrid's Paradise" so prepare yourselves to experience amazing artwork around this theme. Being part of this amazing group of artists is an absolute honor.

For this exhibition I'm creating something very different; an Art installation. It is challenging yet exciting as I believe it's necessary for artists to come out of their comfort zones once in a while. The opening ceremony is approaching so it needs a lot of hard work.... but surely will be rewarding. Stay tuned as I will update you on the process of my installation. For now just remember #Whisperingwalls

I can not wait to celebrate the new location of EAC with you all. Mark your calendars, tell your friends and those who are interested and come join us at this amazing new location.

Date & Time: Sunday, June 14th 2015 - From 1-4 pm

Location : 1717 Central Street, Evanston

The official invitation will be shared soon as well. Hope to see you all there.

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Going once, going twice...and SOLD!

 

And finally the day I was so looking forward to arrived.  The Magic of Persia Nowruz Auction Gala benefit in Dubai which was held on Iranian new years - March 21st 2015 - at Emirates Towers. The setting was beautiful and I was accompanied by my number one fan, my husband.   We were welcomed by champagne to the salon where all the artworks were on display.

There were so many beautiful artworks many by famous artists and some by emerging and other well - established artists.  Shirley Elghanian - Founder of the MOP organization - started the ceremony welcoming the artists, followed by a beautiful and touching video speech by Empress Farah Pahlavi - Former Queen of Iran - It was so unreal to be within so many amazing artists in such an amazing atmosphere. The program continued with a speech by HE Sheikh Narayan Bin Mubarak Al Nahayan - UAE's Head Minister of Culture, Youth and Social Development - and then the Christie's auctioneer stepped up and started the auctions. My painting was the 5th one of the auction list. I felt like I couldn't breath for a long time.  I noticed the start of bidding prices for most of the art works had been lowered compared to the suggested bid in the program.  My painting was one of the few that held its original bid price.

All prices mentioned in the catalogue are based on MOP and the artists suggested value but ultimately Christie's has say on the starting bid . Nervously, I saw my piece at a glance being brought up to the stage. The auctioneer started by mentioning the start bid of 2000 USD.. there was a few seconds of silence - to me it was much longer - and then the bidding started. I still couldn't breath and once I heard the word "SOLD" I realized it was sold for $6,000 USD. I was still in shock and could hardly hear my husband congratulating me...

As the auction continued we also realized that most of the pieces had an average of 20% increase between the start of bidding price and the selling price, whereas I  had a 300% increase.  At that moment it dawned on me how well my piece had performed.   This was the best start of the year I could have asked for. The ceremony continued with the performance of Shahram Shabpareh who is a legend in Iranian Rock music. I could not stop smiling the whole night. My piece was safe, with someone who appreciates it...this was the best Nowruz gift ever...