Curatorial Statement by Mohammadreza Shahrokhinejad
The Paradox of Imaginary Objects Nature is always full of wondrous objects and phenomena. But sometimes, as humans, we may perceive these objects differently from reality in our minds. These mental images can contradict the true nature of those objects, creating a paradox.
One of the most significant factors in creating mental images different from reality is the human imagination. When we observe natural objects and phenomena, we perceive them through sensory input and mental processing. In this process, our imagination plays a crucial role and can alter the dimensions, qualities, and even the essence of objects. These changes stemming from imagination are mostly influenced by our experiences, beliefs, and subjective interpretations of objects. In other words, instead of seeing pure reality, our minds perceive and interpret it through the lens of our subjective perceptions. An artificial object exists, made of aluminum, and this object is not found in nature at all. But when we look at it, our mind associates it with a “flower.” Here, the contradiction between the objective reality of the object and our mental image of it creates a paradox.
The origin of the relationship of the object (if it becomes a sign in the mind) may be natural, like a reflection in a mirror, which signifies what it reflects. Now, the “sign” is something that refers to something else (the signified). The relationship between the sign and the signified can be metaphorical. An aluminum object can metaphorically refer to a natural flower. In these works by Behdad Lahooti, the “signifier” (the form of the sign) can contain the “signified” (the meaning of the sign) within itself or be separate from it. In these works, it no longer has the duty to carry the world on its shoulders, but rather expands and juxtaposes on an infinitely open surface, and endless arrangements replace them. The works do not bring time to an end, but rather enable the viewer to unfold them and traverse them step by step.
About the Artist
Behdad Lahooti, born in Tehran in 1976 , is an Iranian sculptor and an active member of the association of Iranian sculptors. He has years of experiences as director and general secretary of Tehran Sculpture Biennial, national Sculpture Expositions, and other sculpture-related events under his belt while cooperating with various Iranian art galleries, such as Aaran Art gallery and Hedayat Art Gallery, as an artist and has had several solo and group exhibitions so far. He has experience with a wide variety of materials over his long years of activity as a sculptor. Although his skill in working with varying kinds of metals has been particularly appreciated, he frequently uses wood, plaster, resin, ceramic, fabric, and many others in his creative process. New materials and techniques are always welcomed in Lahooti’s pieces and his art is characterized by implementing modern techniques and processes. Distinctive and varied periods can be seen in the works of this prolific artist, distinguishable for one another in terms of forms and manners of dealing with subject matters, nonetheless, social issues remain the key theme in his works and events in the world and Middle-East, wars, and news exert a big impact on him. Lahooti’s sculptures have been well-received by art enthusiasts due to their aesthetic qualities, both formal and visual, as well as their skillful construction. Although his works fascinate viewers by their sheer beauty at first sight, they provoke thought in all of them too.
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