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.

Whispering Walls Projects to be featured in Chicago Artists Month

WATCH THE INTRO HERE!

Chicago Artists Month is an initiative of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and special events that showcases the works of Chicago's independent artists and arts organizations. This year both events which I proposed will be part of this amazing event!  The 20th Annual Chicago Artists Month (CAM) will take place from October 1- November 15, 2015. Details on the events are available HERE.

This is an amazing opportunity to showcase art among other Chicago-based artists. As part of these events I will be showcasing installations and paintings with the theme of Whispering Walls. The theme is evolving as I keep working on it so I believe its mission has not been completed just yet. The positive feedback and interest received from the Whispering Walls installation at the Evanston Art Center was also another factor to continue on this subject.

There are some great ways for viewers to get involved with this project and I can not wait to share the details with you. For now just look for #WhisperingWalls and follow the details on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

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.