The Multifaceted Canvases of Parisa Ganji: A Modern Expressionist's Journey Through Reality and Imagination
2023; Mixed media on board, 40cm×50cm
In the realm of contemporary art, few artists manage to embody the complexity of modern life with the depth and vigor that Parisa Ganji does. A masterful architect by training, Ganji brings a structural eye to the canvas, using her expertise to deconstruct and reconstruct the layers of social commentary in her expressionist art. Her pieces are not merely to be viewed; they are to be experienced, as they navigate the tumultuous waters of social problems, human behavior, life experiences, sexuality, and nature.
Ganji, who works predominantly with acrylic, oil color, and mixed media, has developed a distinctive style that defies objective reality. Her works are a blend of spontaneity and meticulous technique, where the unconscious mind meets a rich tapestry of life experiences. "These paintings resultant from my experiences contact with reality and imagination that create on board," Ganji explains, encapsulating the essence of her creative process.
The resulting artworks are a meditative reflection on the dualities of existence—war and peace, love and hate, the continuation of generations, and the encounter with nature. Ganji's method is spontaneous, allowing the paint and her experiences to guide the composition directly onto the board. This 'Spuntan' method taps into the subconscious, allowing for a pure and unpremeditated emergence of forms that are often shaped by peripheral problems and societal issues.
In her first painting, there is a contemplative portrait that delves deep into the psyche. The minimalistic use of color draws the viewer into the subject's internal world, suggesting a narrative that is both personal and universal. The geometric construction of the face is a metaphor for the multifaceted nature of identity, revealing the layers that compose our public and private selves.
2023; Mixed media on board, 20cm×20cm
The second painting offers a stark contrast with its fragmented and disjointed shapes that seem to float in a void, reminiscent of broken dreams or a fractured society. The icy tones convey a chilling disconnection, while sporadic bursts of red suggest a pulsing vitality within this dystopian landscape. This piece speaks volumes about the isolation inherent in modern existence and the coldness of a world where the human connection is often fragmented.
Ganji's third canvas is a rich dialogue between the organic and the engineered. Here, earthy tones collide with flashes of color, and primitive figures stand alongside symbols of modernity. It's a testament to the struggle between technological advancement and the natural world, a visual commentary on the need to find balance and harmony.
The final piece shows the chaos of a night in the city comes alive. It's a world teeming with vibrancy and turmoil, as abstract forms suggest a bustling urban landscape shrouded in darkness. Bright yellow punctuates the somber scene like fleeting moments of clarity or hope amidst a backdrop of decay. The rough textures and graffiti-like elements add a raw authenticity to the piece, inviting viewers to ponder the complexities of urban life.
2023; Mixed media on board,
50cm×70cm (left), 60cm×80cm (right)
Ganji’s artwork is characterized by deformed forms that push the boundaries of perception, inviting the audience to reconsider their preconceptions. The artist’s use of mixed media techniques and her disregard for conventional perspectives challenges the viewer’s gaze, leading them through a labyrinth of zonal geometries and fluctuating scales.
Each canvas is an intersection of multiple spaces, a nod to the rich heritage of Iranian painting, yet distinctly modern in its execution. "There are numerous artistic and inartistic pictures in my memory," Ganji reflects, illustrating her visual language that weaves together geometric and organic forms, movement, and multifaceted narration methods.
Parisa Ganji's work is a visual symphony, resonating with the complexity of contemporary life. Her paintings are not just seen; they are felt, understood, and remembered. They serve as a mirror to our times, reflecting the chaos and beauty of our existence, beckoning us to look beyond what we see and dive into the depths of what it means to be human in a world of perpetual change.
Ganji's canvases are more than just art; they are experiences that encapsulate the very essence of living and being. In her own words, "sometimes overstep objectivity, sometimes top of earth and times figures and natures create on picture." It's a testament to the transformative power of art and the enduring voice of an artist who speaks not just through colors and forms, but through the very soul of her work.
