SHIRIN ABEDINIRAD: Reflective Journey
Reflective Journey Installation at Commagene Land and River Art Biennale, Turkey, September 23 - November 23, 2023
Sanji Gallery is proud to announce a significant milestone with the grand inauguration of its new multi-level space within the same esteemed building as Christie's. This expansion marks a momentous leap for the gallery, ushering in a new era of artistic excellence in the heart of Seoul’s art district.
To commemorate this occasion, Sanji Gallery is delighted to unveil a two-part exhibition celebrating women artists. This first part focuses on the work of emerging Iranian multi-disciplinary artist and actress, Shirin Abedinirad, guest curated by independent curators Juli Cho Bailer and Micaela Giovannotti (IKT Member).
Shirin Abedinirad is being highly recognized for her powerful performance in the award-winning Iranian film Critical Zone, honored with the Golden Leopard top prize at the prestigious Locarno Film Festival in August 2023. The film also celebrated its Asia premiere at the Busan Film Festival earlier this month. The movie is a delirious and liberating take on the defiant Iranian youth, called by the Hollywood Reporter “an innovative and provocative cri de coeur,” a clip of the film is exhibited in a raging and hallucinating loop that counterbalances the somber and delicate gestural progression of the artist’s performance and video ALMA, 2019, also screened in the show.
Abedinirad’s art, a thought-provoking exploration of art, identity, and the depths of the human experience, will engage visitors with a selection of her multimedia works, spanning from photography to video to an experiential installation.
The exhibition, Reflective Journey, is titled after its majestic centerpiece, a sculptural and video installation of mirrors and wooden doors that encourages viewers to meditate on their own interpretations of reality and the dynamic role they play in shaping their perspectives. It also serves as a metaphor for the resilience and adaptability of the individuals that, in the face of adversity, may seek solace and renewal through the lens of hope. From solid barrier doors to the immensity of nature with humankind literally reflecting in it.
The comprehensive exhibition will also present photographs referencing the sublime land installations realized in the last few years for which the artist is well known.
On view: 27 October - 9 December 2023.
SANJI GALLERY
Palpan gil 5, Palpan dong, Jongro ku
Seoul, South Korea
Part two, set to open in early 2024, will feature a group show that amplifies the diverse perspectives of women in the art world, emphasizing the gallery’s dedication to fostering inclusivity, diversity, and equality in the art community.
Shirin Abedinirad, born in Tabriz, Iran, in 1986, embarked on her artistic journey in 2002, initially in painting, and later transitioned through graphic design and fashion design at Shariaty Technical College in Tehran. Passionate about the intersection of conceptual art and fashion, Abedinirad began exploring performance art, delving into themes of gender, sexuality, and human compassion, captivating audiences with thought-provoking shows. Her work extends to video, where she immerses herself as performer, costume designer, and creator of sets and props.
In 2013, Abedinirad's profound connection with nature led her to create land art, installation projects, and public art, seamlessly interweaving the natural world with elements of gender, politics, and identity. Her talent earned her a scholarship with United Colors of Benetton's Fabrica research center in Italy, leading to her work in Fabrica's Editorial Department and the publication of "Fashion & Conceptual Art" in March 2014. Abedinirad’s international exhibitions and biennials have solidified her presence in the art world. Her most recent 2023 projects include the Oku-Noto Triennial in the city of Suzu (Japan) and The Commagene Art and River Biennial in Adiyaman (Turkey). She will also participate in the upcoming Lumiere Festival in Durham (UK) in November.
Currently based in the United States, Abedinirad continues her work in performance, installation, and video projects while pursuing a promising career in acting.
Juli Cho Bailer is a Korean-American curator based in Zurich, Switzerland. Juli honed her professional expertise working at world-class art institutions such as the prestigious collection of The Whitney Museum and also served as Chief Curator of the Museum of Glass: International Center for Contemporary Art in Seattle/Tacoma where she played a pivotal role in shaping the museum's curatorial vision. Her curatorial portfolio features exhibitions and museum commission installations by acclaimed artists, including Fred Wilson, Kiki Smith, Mona Hatoum, Maya Lin, Hans Op de Beeck, Jean-Michel Othoniel, Daniel Arsham, and many others.
Micaela Giovannotti is a curator and writer based in New York and London. Former US editor of Tema Celeste magazine, she has curated extensively for international organizations, museums and art fairs and nurtured the career of many well known artists. She was Curator-in-Residence for Art Omi and curator and board member for More Art. She is a member of AICA International Associations of Art Critics and IKT International Associations of Curators of Contemporary Art.