Contemporary

And the walls continue to whisper... by Sarvin Haghighi

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...

 

Introducing "The Persepolis Project" by Sarvin Haghighi

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The fiery destruction of Persepolis as a result of a drunken rage or a strategic geo-political move by Macedonian conquerors will be debated by his historians for ages. But the ages still whisper as you stand at the gates of this ancient city. Despite it’s torching in 330 BCE Once wandering it’s streets once still senses it’s unique place in Persian history as the the seat of government for the Achaemenian kings and a center for reception and ceremonial festivities. On first visit there I spent hours mesmerized by the carvings and the artistry of my ancestors. Those voices heard as faint echo’s from stone inspired the idea of creating the Perspolis Project.  I aim to amplify the whispers of those  amazing carvings - the Human-Headed Winged Lion, colossal bull head, Persian soldiers who are shown to be bringing tribute and gifts to the Persian king as a token of their loyalty - all are shown in these series mixed with a modern twist and using different media such as Farsi calligraphy, ink, paper, Acrylic, etc on wood panels. Dimensions vary. I invite you to view some of the art images HERE. The project is an ongoing project so stay tuned for some new images soon.

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Art in Melbourne - Visit of The NGV by Sarvin Haghighi

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My last visit to Australia was short and sweet. Although the main reason was to spend some quality time with family, I could not resist going to view some art in Melbourne with my mom. National Gallery of Victoria is located in Melbourne - mostly known as the NGC - is an art museum founded in 1861 and is considered the oldest public art museum in Australia. The museum operates across two sites right opposite of each other: NGV International which is locate don St Kilda road in the heart of the Melbounr Art Precinct of Southbank and The Ian Potter Center which is located nearby Federation Square. I personally enjoyed both locations but if this is your first time in Melbourne you need to spend some time in Federation Square itself. It's just surrounded by amazing architectural designs and nice cafes. Within all the artworks I saw at the NGV, the one that really caught our attention was the interesting work by a Brazilian Artist, Rivane Neuenschwander's Watchword dated back to 2012. It invites audiences to select different clothing labels that feathers words adapted from handmade protest banners and slogans found on the intervened and pin them into an abstracted map of the world. The artist intends that the choice of words and how they are re-formed and re-enter the world, will manifest the audience's values and hopes.

I just love it when the artists try to interact with their audience through their art. This is how artists can send a powerful message to the world and truly share their art and thoughts.

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