Kamyar Kafaie – Aaran Projects

Solo exhibition of Kamyar Kafaie

Opening 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

Solo exhibition of Kamyar Kafaie

Opening on 15th April 2016

The chronological quality of the elaborate paintings of Kamyar Kafaie covers diverse subjects. Infused with sly humor, they reflect our society’s past and present. By adapting a flamboyant and accessible aesthetic, he criticizes the behaviors of the middle class of Iran. Some paintings have autobiographical references, and some are commentaries on the hypocrisies of society. Characters are developed in his sketch book and are transferred onto canvas, and more often than not same characters appear in different paintings. Serious Environmental issues that the country faces are one of the traits in his paintings, as are historical and current social events. In his Radioactive Library, every painting is a book that tells its own story. The narrative flow of these intricate scenes is reminiscent of the fabulous manuscript paintings of Persian art of book making.
The daily strains of life in Iran and undue pressures from the outside world are easily detectable in our current art scene. Kamyar Kafaie prefers to turn away from the negativity and show other aspects of life in Iran. Like many Iranian artists and poets, he chooses the language of satire to deny darkness. He paints his surroundings and creates his own allegorical and alternative universe where he is allowed to push the boundaries.

Group Exhibition

Participating Artists: Artists present in this exhibition: Sasan Abri, Asareh Akasheh, Tannaz Amin, Maryam Amir Farshi, Ghazaleh Bahiraie, Nasser Bakhshi, Dadbeh Basir, Majid Biglari, Parinaz Eleish, Ebrahim Eskandari, Mohamad Eskandari, Yashar Azar Emdadian, Maryam Espandi, Farhad Fozouni, Kamyar Kafaie, Amir Nasr Kamgooyan, Myriam Quiel, Amir Mousavi, Aliyar Rasti, Navid Rasouli, Zarvan Rouhbakhshan, Romisa Sakaki, Behrang Samadzadegan, Bahar Taheri.

You are cordially invited to attend the opening of the group exhibition titled “Tehran: Virtual or Real,” which will take place at Aaran Gallery, marking the launch of “Aaran Projects.”
The new space is located at No. 5, Lolagar Alley,, Neauphle-le-Château St.
The event will be held from 4 PM to 8 PM on July 18th and 19th, 2015.