Ardeshir Tabrizi: King of Light – A New Era in Artistic Exploration

Ardeshir Tabrizi's latest body of work marks a monumental moment in his artistic journey. This new exhibition introduces innovative materials that expand on his signature style, which has long been defined by textile, silk-screening, and intricate collaged embroidery. For this series, Tabrizi integrates mosaic mirror on canvas, adding a reflective dimension to his work that prompts the viewer to engage both physically and metaphysically with the pieces. The mirrors reflect not only the viewer's image but also the fragmented realities of the world around them, creating a poignant commentary on a time of cultural turbulence, trauma, and division.

Symmetry, Reflection, and the Search for Balance

Symmetry plays a crucial role in this new series, evoking the concept of binary oppositions and an ethos of peaceful polarization. Tabrizi's recent time spent at the Black Rock residency in Senegal has greatly influenced the experimental nature of this work, particularly in the layering of embroidery, cut glass silkscreen, hot wax seals, and other dynamic materials. This approach signifies a bold step forward in his creative practice, bridging history with a vision for a balanced future.

A Dialogue Between the Past and Present

Tabrizi explains that this work is deeply rooted in history, our place within it and how we engage with it. By introducing mirrors and glass, he reflects the present moment into the artwork, making the viewer an integral part of the composition. "What is missing from the piece? The individual, the viewer," Tabrizi notes. His reflections on the environment create shifting, abstract images that evolve with each viewing context. This interplay between the viewer and their surroundings transforms the artwork into a living dialogue.

The artist draws inspiration from a variety of historical references, including his memories of the “mosque of light” in Iran, an iconic structure that became a part of his artistic consciousness. These mirrored mosaics not only hold aesthetic power but also spiritual and cultural significance.

Tabrizi's new works represent a decisive break from his earlier pieces, as the material itself becomes the language of the artwork. The integration of new elements such as video, holograms, and energy balls pushes the boundaries of his creative practice, presenting a narrative that connects history with the present and future. The human figure, particularly in its fragility and impermanence, is now more prominent in Tabrizi's work, inspired by his personal reflections on his father’s health and the limited time we all have.

A Cultural Conversation Through Art

The artist's exploration of history, the human body, and the passage of time are embodied in works that confront the individual viewer, establishing a narrative between the past, the present, and the environment. Tabrizi's reinterpretation of Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man, with its silkscreened depictions of diverse cultural histories from Christian to Middle Eastern traditions, invites a broader conversation about collective human history and cultural renewal.

About Ardeshir Tabrizi

Ardeshir Tabrizi (b. 1981, Tehran, Iran) is an artist based in Los Angeles, CA. His hand-embroidered textile works and multi-layered narratives address cultural renewal and historical understanding, transcending specific cultural contexts. Tabrizi’s artworks are housed in several prestigious institutional collections, including the Fowler Museum at UCLA, the Long Beach Museum of Art, and the Bunker Artspace in West Palm Beach. In 2024, he will participate in Kehinde Wiley's Black Rock residency in Senegal.

Exhibition Details:

Exhibition Title: King of Light

Opening Reception: September 7, 3-6 pm

Dates: September 7 - October 31

Location: AF Projects, 7503 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, California

Contact: JB Bogulski | T. 213.479.2610 | jb@afprojects.com