Golnaz Fathi: Line | Khat
Alireza Masoumi: Nowherescape
December 21, 2016–January 28, 2017
Preview: December 21, 7pm
The Third Line
Al Quoz 1
Dubai
UAE
T +9714 3411 367
www.thethirdline.com
Facebook / Instagram
Gallery 1
Golnaz Fathi: Line | Khat
The Third Line is very pleased to present Line | Khat, a solo exhibition by Golnaz Fathi that explores the relationship between experimental calligraphic mark-making and non-traditional mediums. Golnaz’s approach to abstraction in calligraphy, and signature style of visuals created through indecipherable lettering, has expanded to include non-traditional media such as ballpoints and rollerballs. Through this series, Golnaz explores an intimate narrative through the practice of diary keeping.
The exhibition presents a selection of notebooks, and works on paper and canvas from this series. Works on paper in the “Black Series” and “Blue Series” are made with archival ballpoint pens, an uncommon medium for calligraphers to use. For Golnaz, being a classically trained calligrapher, the use of this pen can be seen as a subtly rebellious and unconventional approach to the practice. Golnaz then switched to rollerball pens, which she uses in combination with acrylic paint, culminating in works on large canvases.
Moving on from bold painterly lines to the use of ballpoint and rollerball, Golnaz uses her background as a trained calligrapher to skillfully transform known language into form and abstract compositions. By making the words illegible, she paradoxically allows the work to become more comprehensible; by being understandable for no one, the visuals become accessible to everyone.
Gallery 2
Alireza Masoumi: Nowherescape
Nowherescape is a solo exhibition of new works by Alireza Masoumi which presents an emblematic landscape portrayal through oil paintings on canvas and ballpoint works on paper. Influenced by the post-war Abstract Expressionists and reflecting the emotive qualities of 19th century Romantic painters, Alireza creates turbulent and dramatic contemporary landscapes that are inspired by the correlation between the mundaneness of the everyday, the rush of the metropolis and the beauty of nature.
Nowherescape presents a diverse body of work that ranges across large paintings spanning over two meters wide and intimate ball point drawings on paper. Alireza employs layer upon layer of frenzied lines and brush strokes, exploring different structures within the different media. While the works on canvas result in painterly and expressive pieces that command attention, the works on paper invite the viewer to appreciate the finer details in the dense ballpoint lines scratched on paper. Although visually different, both series in essence demonstrate similar principle and intention. Through this process, Alireza creates powerful imagery that is not immediately locatable, and yet has discernible elements.
About The Third Line
The Third Line is a Dubai-based art gallery that represents contemporary Middle Eastern artists locally, regionally and internationally. In addition to this, The Third Line publishes books by associated artists and hosts non-profit, alternative programs to increase interest and dialogue in the region.
Represented artists include: Abbas Akhavan, Ala Ebtekar, Amir H. Fallah, Arwa Abouon, Babak Golkar, Farhad Moshiri, Fouad Elkoury, Golnaz Fathi, Hassan Hajjaj, Hayv Kahraman, Huda Lutfi, Joana Hadjithomas & Khalil Joreige, Laleh Khorramian, Lamya Gargash, Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian, Pouran Jinchi, Rana Begum, Sahand Hesamiyan, Sara Naim, Sherin Guirguis, Shirin Aliabadi, Slavs and Tatars, Sophia Al-Maria, Tarek Al-Ghoussein, Youssef Nabil and Zineb Sedira.
Media contact
Saira Ansari, Director of Communications: saira [at] thethirdline.com
Josephine Mees, PR & Media Manager: josephine [at] thethirdline.com / press [at] thethirdline.com / T +9714 3411 367