One of the distinguishing aspects of my practice is to challenge observation and visual perception. Subject matters that I choose vary from contemporary issues to classical art. References to art history and the history of seeing are inseparable to my art. Yet, I do not put art history on a pedestal as references are not there to be praised or to give joy; they rather work against each other. That is why details are so important in my work. Each of my works has a different subject matter as I do not make series. Recently I mix painting and sculpture with mechanical machines that question the nature of painting and sometimes go against the nature of creation and even ruin it.

Shahryar Hatami
December 2015