Sand and Sky (Diptych), 2016
Collected, found and assembled materials in metal suitcases
17 cm (6 3/4 inches) height x 61 cm (24 inches) length x 31 cm (12 3/4 inches) width, each suitcase
This project is site-specific and inspired from the inherent relationship of the nomadic nature of how we have derived our materials for consumption; from the ancient Silk Road to our current time. This work honors the journeys, the places and the people that were encountered and are responsible for this process.
Suitcase from Iran, 2015
Collected and assembled materials in suitcase
24 inches x 29 inches x 16 inches (60 cm x 73 cm x 40 cm)
Final Steps & Cleansing (For Bahram), 2015
Collected materials, photographs, cards inside a wooden box
21 inches x 2 inches x 24 inches (53cm x 5 cm x 60 cm)
This work was made in wishing well and healing. The objects inside the wooden box are deeply personal and symbolic in conjunction to finding the journey of self-recovery.
The Freedom Party, 2015
Cage, collaged images on plastic toy table and wooden toy ladder with grass seeds planted at the bottom of the cage
Grass seeds planted on Friday July 17th at 4:46 pm
21 inches x 2 inches x 24 inches (53 cm x 5 cm x 60 cm)
The conversation in this work is in conjunction to the societal conditioning of marriage. This work was made following my separation, and the images and objects are symbolic of those moments.
Dutch Masters, 2004-2006
Collected and assembled materials, watercolor and acrylic on Silver Maple leaf
8 inches x 11 1/2 inches x 2 inches (20 cm x 29 cm x 5 cm)
Suitcase for Rome (Thus Spoke Zarathustra), 2004
23. 6 inches x 28.7 inches x 15.7 inches (60 cm x 73 cm x 40 cm)
This work is linked to the teachings of the Zoroastrian religion and to my father, who is an anchor of goodness, as he inspires to always attempt to follow the path of kindness. This suitcase was intended during a time when I wished to leave for Rome, and in it, I placed objects that would hold me close to my father’s words and guidance.
Artist Palette 1.A, 1999-2001
Collected earth pigments, glass jars, rocks, stems, metal brush, paint tube and feather in metal paint container
12 inches x 11 1/2 inches x 3/4 inches (30 cm x 29 cm x 10 cm)
Artist Palette (For Agnes Martin), 1999-2001
Jars filled with dried and pulverized petals and leaves, rock, gridded paper pad, metal brush, paint tube and feather in wooden box
6 inches x 14 inches x 2 1/2 inches (15 cm x 35 cm x 6 cm)
22.1 (Homage to Dahi and Beuys), 1995-2000
Found and collected materials in glass jars, folded linen shirts and silver spoon in suitcase
24 inches x 29 inches x 16 inches (60 cm x 73 cm x 40 cm)
This work is dedicated to my maternal uncle Reza Samii and to Joseph Beuys. The glass jars are representative of my nomadic process of collecting materials, of which I have experienced essentially all my life.
Artist Palette IV, 2013
Thread, brush, map, booklet, and found materials in wooden box
21 cm x 21 cm x 23 cm (9 1/2 inches x 8 inches x 9 1/5 inches)
The sculptural objects reflect the continuous conversation I have within my practice of sharing narratives through collected parts. The Artist Palette Series is a conversation with the process of making objects through collected fragments; both in the active collection of things throughout the journeys and travels, as well as seeking particular materials to convey a personal meaning of a place and time.