"I am still drowsy" drowsy
The dream continues,
Crossing through the crystalline waterfall of dawn.
-Parviz Allahyari
SARAI Gallery is thrilled to present "Dream Time", the inaugural exhibition of its Observation Projects. Curated by Payam Khalili, this remarkable dual exhibition features the works of artists Mahdiye Mahmoudi (1984) and Ghader Mansoori (1991).
As part of the Observation Projects, this exhibition underscores SARAI Gallery's commitment to supporting emerging talents. By providing a platform to showcase their work, the project offers these artists opportunities for visibility and growth, amplifying new voices in contemporary art.
"Dream Time" opens on November 29th and runs through December 13th at SARAI-Tehran.
This exhibition invites audiences to immerse themselves in the nuanced interplay between fantasy and reality through the distinctive visions of two artists. One artist explores inner emotions, transforming them into minimalistic forms that convey a dreamlike quality. The other focuses on the external world yet layers it with imaginative elements, creating works that blur the lines between reality and illusion. Together, their creations challenge viewers to reconsider their perceptions, dissolving the boundaries between the real and the imagined. This journey offers space for wonder, introspection, and the rediscovery of the extraordinary within the ordinary.
Mahdiye Mahmoudi delves deeply into the human psyche, portraying intricate emotional states with remarkable subtlety. Her paintings distill the world into its essence, stripping away superfluous details to uncover the profound depth of moments, experiences, and human narratives. Rendered in soft, muted tones and minimalistic forms, her works exude a dreamlike quality, encouraging viewers to forge personal connections and uncover layers of meaning within their simplicity.
Ghader Mansoori's ink drawings dissolve the boundary between reality and dream. His works offer a glimpse into his homeland, reflecting its nature, people, and ancient traditions while alluding to myths and art history. Through depictions of individuals immersed in collective rituals, Mansoori investigates the intricate layers of human existence, tackling profound subjects like death, grief, and mourning, as well as the celebration of life and hope. With a blend of precision and spontaneity, Mansoori's technique transforms ink into a medium of storytelling, where the tangible meets the fantastical. Each piece invites viewers to uncover the hidden narratives and symbolic layers, bridging the personal and the universal.