The case of heavy and light II, 2020, thread and oak wood, 50 x 50 cm
24.9 - 16.10.2021
Opening: 24.09.2021 - 17-19.
Galleri Tom Christoffersen is pleased to present No Forest In-between The Trees – an exhibition of new works by Iranian and Teheran-based artist Neda Zarf Saz.
Neda Zarf Saz invites us to stop and take a closer look at what we think is already there. With a new perspective, what we think might just be thin wooden logs and thread suddenly appear as beautiful landscapes that remind us of the tall, majestic mountains in Iran.
In Neda Zarf Saz’ Rainbow series long vertical sticks of wood become lifelike in their tall vertical gestures. And it is this liveliness of the trees and nature that interest Neda Zarf Saz. In connection with this series, she quotes the German poet and novelist Herman Hesse: “Trees have always been the most penetrating preachers. I revere them when they live in tribes and families, in forests and groves. And even more I revere them when they stand alone....”. In this sense, we are not only invited into the forest but also into a tribe or family of trees. These tree-like art pieces have individual titles such as Rainforest, Sunset and Meadow that brings memories of travels and beautiful experiences in nature.
The materiality and expression of the works, the thread and the wood, bring associations to woven carpets, Persian patterns, and the surrounding nature. Thus, materiality places itself in connection with ancient Iranian craftsmanship. In this way, Zarf Saz connects Iranian materiality and landscape in her works.
Neda Zarf Saz (b. 1981) lives and works in Teheran, Iran. She graduated from Valand Academy of Fine Arts, Sweden, in 2011. She has exhibited at e.g. Thames-Side Gallery in London, Mottahedan Projects in Dubai and Backa Culture house in Goteborg. Neda Zarf Saz is represented in Iran by Etemad Gallery. No Forrest In-between The Trees is her first solo exhibition at Galleri Tom Christoffersen.
Untitled No. 2/2, Hiddein Forest Series, 2019, acrylic and oil paint on linen, wooden bar, threads 115 x 30 x 25 cm
Welkin, 2020, synthetic silk thread, photographs, fluorescent paint, poplar wood and resin, 163 x 2 cm
Rainforest, 2020, synthetic silk thread, photographs, fluorescent paint, poplar wood and resin, 180 x 2 cm