Opening at Aaran Projects on 20th April 2018

At the edge of what is real and surreal in Iranian life today, Kamyar Kafaie criticizes the vulgarity and ‎ignorance that has become a part of life in Iran and particularly in Tehran’s northern rich ‎neighborhoods. In his painstakingly detailed paintings he shows us the abhorrent behavior of parts of ‎society that is being copied by the less privileged ones. His meticulous paintings are sarcastic ‎commentary, defining the divides in Iranian society better than any sociologist, journalist or ‎commentator. His observations and examinations of Iranian prejudices, approaches and weaknesses ‎result in intricate narratives that at first glance appear cheerful and filled with color, but at close ‎examination betray the depth of decadence and dysfunction in society.‎
Combining highly developed draughtsman ship and a comic book influenced visual vocabulary; artist ‎chronicles the contemporary life within a geography that he knows well. He holds a mirror to society ‎and tackles subjects such as social status, identity, corruption, conspicuous consumption, populism and ‎ignorance. Next to his figurative focus and cultivation of narrative, his approach is refreshingly honest. ‎With exciting details he shows his concerns and fears and his saucy sense of fun reveals the truth about ‎certain layers of society. In his strong narrative focus and overcrowded pictorial spaces and in absence ‎of perspective, a heightened reality is created, where meanings and scales are displaced.‎
Kamyar Kafaie has been consistent, emotional and humorous throughout the last few years that he has ‎focused on his practice. As a chronicler he is a witness and a portrayer of Iran’s situation now. His ‎engagement with society is serious and just like millions of Iranians he questions the present status quo ‎and reveals his fears for future.‎
Nazila Noebashari