Inspired by the title of the movie "In The Mood For Love", "In The Mood For Paper" is a follow-up of the acclaimed "Crouching Paper, Hidden Dragon" works on paper show, a group show of solely Chinese contemporary artists held at F2 Gallery in 2008. The "lighter" title reflects the very different economical situation in which it's taking place; a severe global crisis that has put a damper on everyone's mood for quite sometime now.
In spite of its playful title, the show is one of depth, passion and determination. It's a talking show. It talks to you not in Mandarin, Hindi or Farsi but through the strokes of the brushes dipped in the colors of the artist's dreams, mine and perhaps yours and through the thin layers of paper strong enough to hold all that it bears to say, every single one speaking the same language of oneness yet so unique. It talks about the pain carried through decades, the joy of making it through, the excitement of the possibilities of being heard, the fear of exposure, the lust of a touch, the uncertainty of the unknown. One can not help but to hear the voices of criticism, hope and encouragement so loud and is left with the choice of crossing the sheer line of prejudice.
Paper, raw and intimate, is a medium of passion bringing the viewer closer to the artist, as if one could feel the movement of the artist's hands on the thin surface of its fragility.
Here, one finds an opportunity for the first time to experience three influential regional and international powers, China, India and Iran, simultaneously through the eyes and fingertips of over thirty established and emerging contemporary artists, all creating exceptional inspiring pieces of art. The works have been made in some of the most polluted parts of the world, yet walking through this exhibition, one will not fail feeling a breath of fresh air, witnessing a vast amount of diversity in taste, style and technique.
China, India and Iran, asides from being some of the oldest major civilizations in the world's history and carrying some of the richest artistic traditions amongst them, have something else in common, they have started to re-emerge. They are putting behind years of prejudice, are wanting recognition and having their voices heard and not being judged by preconceived notions fed to the veins of societies through the means of media and politics. And there is no better vehicle than the arts to portray this transition often manipulated.
"In The Mood For Paper" is bringing some contemporary Chinese, Indian and Iranian artists together to present certain aspects of their realities and the rich civilization and culture that's embedded in their DNA and genes. Art is again back for the art lovers and art itself, shifting the word "investment" to the backseat. This is a show that talks to you in the universal language of love and also tells you about a dream. A love for art and a dream that includes China, India and Iran.
In spite of its playful title, the show is one of depth, passion and determination. It's a talking show. It talks to you not in Mandarin, Hindi or Farsi but through the strokes of the brushes dipped in the colors of the artist's dreams, mine and perhaps yours and through the thin layers of paper strong enough to hold all that it bears to say, every single one speaking the same language of oneness yet so unique. It talks about the pain carried through decades, the joy of making it through, the excitement of the possibilities of being heard, the fear of exposure, the lust of a touch, the uncertainty of the unknown. One can not help but to hear the voices of criticism, hope and encouragement so loud and is left with the choice of crossing the sheer line of prejudice.
Paper, raw and intimate, is a medium of passion bringing the viewer closer to the artist, as if one could feel the movement of the artist's hands on the thin surface of its fragility.
Here, one finds an opportunity for the first time to experience three influential regional and international powers, China, India and Iran, simultaneously through the eyes and fingertips of over thirty established and emerging contemporary artists, all creating exceptional inspiring pieces of art. The works have been made in some of the most polluted parts of the world, yet walking through this exhibition, one will not fail feeling a breath of fresh air, witnessing a vast amount of diversity in taste, style and technique.
China, India and Iran, asides from being some of the oldest major civilizations in the world's history and carrying some of the richest artistic traditions amongst them, have something else in common, they have started to re-emerge. They are putting behind years of prejudice, are wanting recognition and having their voices heard and not being judged by preconceived notions fed to the veins of societies through the means of media and politics. And there is no better vehicle than the arts to portray this transition often manipulated.
"In The Mood For Paper" is bringing some contemporary Chinese, Indian and Iranian artists together to present certain aspects of their realities and the rich civilization and culture that's embedded in their DNA and genes. Art is again back for the art lovers and art itself, shifting the word "investment" to the backseat. This is a show that talks to you in the universal language of love and also tells you about a dream. A love for art and a dream that includes China, India and Iran.