Prowling
Harmony in Duality: Conceptual Ceramic Sculptures Across Two Collections
Oct.8 – Nov.26, 2022
Within the realm of conceptual ceramic sculptures, I’ve curated two distinct collections that seamlessly integrate diverse mediums to convey profound narratives. These artworks serve as visual reflections on the intricate dance between humanity and the universe, portraying the spectrum of interactions in both positive and negative dimensions. The Inversion and Upright collections, though inherently different, harmoniously complement each other, presenting contrasting facets of the human experience.
Inspired by my personal experiences, observations of those around me, and the ongoing conflict and resistance in Iran, this collection delves into the depths of the human experience, weaving together diverse threads of inspiration and reflection.
Inversion Collection vs. Upright Collection
Both collections intricately depict the profound impact of the universe on the lives of individuals, locally and globally. United in their thematic resonance, Upright emerges as a beacon of hope, offering the possibility of positive transformation for the very subjects explored within the thought-provoking Inversion collection.
The first collection for this exhibit is the Inversion collection. A central theme of this collection is the conflict and human rights violations currently taking place in my home country of Iran. The Inversion collection demonstrates the negative side of the coin; inequality, hatred, forced marriage, rape, pain, worry, oppression, and violence. This collection is inspired by my lived experiences, observations of the lives of others around me, and the current conflict and resistance taking place in Iran. The interpretation of these pieces, like
our individual experiences, are unique to each person. Inversion is a provocative art collection that aims to get people to think about existence from a new perspective. Most of the Inversion collection expresses the negative effect of external forces, which may cause an adverse reaction. Like a coin that has two sides, our lives are also a scene with positive and negative events, and without each other, they would not exist. The second part of this exhibit is the Upright Collection representing the positive side of the coin and focuses on love’s ability to heal.
A central theme in this collection is the world and human beings coming together to improve the future. The seven doves, symbolic of both the continents and the ideals of peace and friendship, convene in a congenial manner around the Earth, engrossed in enjoyable conversation. Seated in an egalitarian circle, reminiscent of the Earth’s boundless unity, this symbolic representation brings pigeons together without distinctions—no rulers, no condemnation, no differences. Worthy Repetition is a part of this collection that challenges the
belief that mass production is the ideal form of creation. This exhibit includes the word love written in Farsi and English in a variety of colours and styles on 40 separate tiles. The piece entitled Scan Love emphasizes how consumerism and instant gratification through transactions have become a way of temporarily filling a void, but the real cure for this emptiness is love. In mass production, which fuels consumerism, there is no love or care taken during creation, but hand building a ceramic piece is a labour of love that can hold such deep meaning. Each piece is special and unique.
Reza Hosseiny 2022
Performance Statement
The manner and reason for human descent on Earth has always been a key question for human beings. I land on the ground with a good goal but a different deed. I expect others to do good and yet I engage myself in deceitful things. Sometimes I do not even know why I choose these actions, when I want to be good.
Around me is full of evil, infelicity, and human viciousness. Sometimes a moment of crying is the only weapon to calm me down. I stand up again and I try to prowl around the earth one more time but this time with a distinctive quality. I go but the scene remains. I will return; I hope for that day!