Questioning the Dead Under Moonlight, 2023
Parimah Avani

Questioning the Dead Under Moonlight is a Drawing realized by Iranian artist and Poet Parimah Avani in 2023.

China ink, acrylic on Japanese Washi Haruki paper with applied Papyrus, Plettenberg, DE. Exhibited in " Heroine's Journey" 2023, in Gallery hall of German Bank " Sparkasse". Winner of scholarship and art residency "Werkstatt Plettenberg" in Germany, 2023.

Hand-signed and dated. From the series of The Wall of 7-Resurrection in Seven Days, From Sun to Moon

The artwork is represented with alchemical, magical, and mythological symbols and signs, through geometric shapes and rebellious miniature figures that shape the narrative of seven days of a week metaphorically through death, birth, and rebirth, by the natural element of sun, half moon, and full-moon, by metal colors referring to the alchemical process of soul, the color of planets, and stars of specific day of week by its root in myths in a minimalistic manner, archaic motives, and animal reminders of cave painting are characterized by expressive brushes. In a fusion of myth, alchemical symbolism, and the archetypal Heroine's Journey, the works aim to transport viewers into the intricate realm of "Heroine's Journey," an exhibition that encapsulates the essence of unity, rebellion and revolutionary figures, transformation, and resistance, and the enduring power of mythological narratives. In the belly of the figure, there are Antausian numbers and letters derived from the worldbuilding project of Avani "Antalus"

Through a combination of limited colors, shapes, and ancient symbolism, these works invite an odyssey that transcends the boundaries of culture, time, and narrative. Drawing inspiration from Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey. Avani's works weave together a narrative that celebrates the interconnectedness of all living beings.  Avani employs a chosen palette of alchemical colors: various gold, silver, bronze, tint, and copper, representing metals and planets. Each color carries deep, symbolic significance. Gold symbolizes the golden spirit and enlightenment, while silver connects to the feminine aspect and the moon's goddess associations. Copper represents both women and the essence of love. These colors create a narrative resonating with universal themes of transformation and spirituality, mirroring the elevation of the soul through alchemical symbolism. Her works apply visual storytelling in large-scale scrolls. These figures draw inspiration from mythological narratives like the Nordic myth of Ymir and the Persian myth of Mashi and Mashyaneh. In Norse mythology, Ymir's colossal body serves as the origin of the world's various components. From Ymir's body, fashioned the various parts of the cosmos, including the Earth (Midgard), the sky (Asgard), and the oceans (the giant's blood). Similarly, Mashi and Mashyaneh, the first human couple in Persian mythology, represent the microcosm of the universe. In various mythologies and belief systems, there are entities or figures similar to Ymir who play a role in the creation of the world. 

Inspired by Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey, Avani's Heroine embarks on an adventure akin to the moon's phases and Mother Earth's characteristics, Goddess' stories, and belonging. Her journey is marked by recurring motifs of death and rebirth to celebrate the sacrifices of women through mythological symbolism. The Heroine discovers, sacrifices, shines like a full moon, and disappears, all in a cyclical journey of transformation and self-discovery. These paintings portray the world as comprising numerous microcosmic entities, all intricately united, emphasizing the interconnectedness and interdependence of all life forms and elements within our cosmos. This series highlights how a body becomes a battlefield, a golden source of sacrifice, a silver font of resistance, copper as blood, and women fighting for freedom. The style of Persian calligraphy and knowledge of poetry let her make a visual poem in an expressionistic style connected to oriental calligraphy. Her works challenge oppression, torture, censorship, and gender-related issues themes by applying oriental brushstrokes of calligraphy in ink as a primary tool.