Vahid Chamani

Vahid Chamani is an Iranian artist who lives and works in Tehran. His work explores themes about the current cultural situation in Iran, which is disturbed by its deep contrasts between tradition and modernism:

“We have somehow turned away from or traditional culture but at the same time been left behind by modernism. We have distanced ourselves from our beliefs and now stand far from them to be able to join in the global stream of modern cultures but it seems like we have failed in reaching both of them. Maybe this is because we are doubtful of this liberation, and don’t want to separate our present from our past. This has put us in some kind of cultural gap where we can’t find our true place in western modernism. I try to show this gap in my works – my dark and coloured backgrounds show the theme of no place or time, where people are doubtful of their identity and worried for their future. Some figures and faces are shown with two different sides which show their stressed minds. Some eyes are blind and some show disappointment with traces of scars they have on their hearts and souls. In other works, I have used ornaments like earrings and necklaces with shiny faces on pretty figures who, although are wearing a lot of makeup, still have their traditional dresses on. This is a sign of their inner desire to return to their past cultures and, in spite of that, try to keep up with new trends of fashion in order to avoid being called backwards. They have made a false identity for themselves and a world of self-deceit. My figures are never who they appear to be, but rather, they put on a front – trying to show off but end up look self-pitying and self-consoling.”

Chamani utilises both oil and ink mediums in his works which present a cultural clash. With ink being a medium of traditional Iranian painting and oil a more contemporary one, there exists a conflict between the two, where Chamani feels that oil always wins. In his works, he also uses traditional clothing from different time periods, such as the Ghajar and Sassani dynasties, to make them look aged. Presented in modern spaces with modern lighting and western glazing mixed with Iranian traditional sign and icons, there is a clear and significant mixture of cultures across his pieces:

“Is this true in the real world? No. I think we are only imagining or hallucinating. I have chosen the title Amino Acid for all my works, as it is the fundamental element of human body cells, showing the idea that we all share the same core but with different forms. I chose this title because I have followed the same concept – my works share a common core, but have different forms and presentations.”