"To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it.”
Rumi
Paul Hughes Fine Arts presents "Resonating Narratives", an exhibition showcasing the Paul Hughes Collection of Pre-Columbian arts in conjunction with the works of the British-Iranian artist Farhad Ahrarnia.
The show presents a fascinating dialogue that transcends the boundaries of time as it spans 3000 years of art which also defies geographical location. At its core, this collaborative effort seeks to challenge and transform our understanding of the art historical and archaeological canon of Pre-Columbian Andean arts, highlighting its profound impact on modern art developments in the 20th and 21st centuries. By juxtaposing ancient Andean art works with the contemporary vision of Farhad Ahrarnia, the exhibition aims to create a framework for re-conceptualising the cultural achievements of the ancient Andean civilisation in a manner that resonates with a broader audience today.
Farhad Ahrarnia's work serves as a catalyst for this re-conceptualisation, as he embarks on a visual magical mystery tour that weaves together the threads of ancient Peruvian art, the avant-garde spirit of the Bauhaus movement, and the rich cultural heritage of Iran.
Through his meticulous adoption of traditional craft-making techniques, such as 'Khatam' marquetry and 'Tazhib', Ahrarnia pays homage to the art historical references that have shaped his artistic vision. The influence of the Saqqakhana movement, which sought to tap into Iranian popular culture and traditional craft, is evident in his work, as he blends the geometric sensibilities of Josef and Annie Albers with the vibrant energy of Andean textiles.
Farhad further explores the influences of Nazca art on the animated art of Kieth Haring who freely appropriated Indigenous and non-Western aesthetics in pursuit of his own sense of universality.
Ultimately, the exhibition presents a compelling argument for the re-conceptualisation of ancient Andean cultural achievements in a manner that is meaningful to a broader audience today. By highlighting the direct links between Pre-Columbian Andean arts and modern art developments in the 20th and 21st centuries, the exhibition challenges our understanding of the art historical canon, inviting us to reconsider the ways in which different cultural and artistic traditions have influenced and informed one another. Through the visionary work of Farhad Ahrarnia, we are taken on a magical mystery tour that traverses the boundaries of time and geography, revealing the profound interconnectedness of human creativity and artistic expression.