Danse Macabré, 2023
Parimah Avani

Danse Macabré is a drawing created by the Iranian painter and poet Parimah Avani in 2023. Sumi and Persian ink and acrylic on traditional Lokta Hymalian "Nepali Kagaj" paper. Hand signed and dated. 

From the series "Resistance and Alchemical Metals The artwork is depicted in a poetic style with a lyrical title, by the application of limited colors of metals" various copper, gold, silver, bronze" which here have metaphorical characteristics of alchemy In this series the artist took positions and gestures of revolutionary and rebellious bodies on the battlefield of the revolution and dynamically transformed them into precious sources of resistance through spiritual transitions of colors similar to the alchemy, flesh and blood found their symbolic meaning through colors and expressive brushstrokes, metals here refer to the bodies of freedom seekers, malleable, flexible, shiny and a source of strength, highlighting how a body becomes a battlefield, a golden source of sacrifice, a silver source of resistance, copper like blood and women fighting for freedom The rebellious gestural figures have a unique sense of harmonious storytelling, the delicate Himalayan traditional paper makes its narrative more vivid and emotional. The Persian calligraphy style and knowledge of poetry allowed her to create visual poetry in an expressionist style; the use of space and maintaining an empty background and foreground were done intentionally to emphasize solitude and solitude and at the same time connect to oriental calligraphy. What makes this series unique: The dynamic emotion of each gestural figure, the rebellious figures represented in a minimalist way and the vigorous and unbridled energy of the brushstrokes, raw, spontaneous and full of emotions. Her works in this series challenge oppression, torture, censorship and gender issues by applying the oriental brushstrokes of ink calligraphy as a primary tool, to fragile subjects. She portrays her Eastern identity through basic materials and techniques, adding layers of today's socio-political concerns. In her exhibition "Heroine's Journey" presented at Sparkasse Plettenberg, Germany, in 2023, she with the same approach successfully presented revolutionary and rebellious gestures by applying the same limited colors of alchemical metals. 

Parimah Garde, born 1988 in Tehran, Iran, is a multidisciplinary artist and a recognized figure in contemporary Hermetic Persian literature and the avant-garde "Other" movement. Her book, "Magic Verses of Antalus", was a finalist for the prestigious "Shamlou" prize.His most recent achievement is winning an art competition for a Werkstatt Plettenberg scholarship in Germany, culminating in a solo exhibition held at the German Bank Gallery Sparkasse. Avani's artistic journey began with trips to China and Russia during her formative years; Eastern philosophies, particularly Zen and Buddhism, and folk arts ignited a passion for comparative mythology, evident in his archaic style. In 2009 she moved to Rome to study multimedia art and obtained a Master's degree in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome. 

Paralleling the cultural parallels between East and West, mythological themes transcend the boundaries of art, exploring magic and ancient writings inspired by scholars Frazer and Eliade's insights into ritual. Her anthropological vision culminated in a PhD in contemporary art history at Sapienza University, achieving excellence and honor. Her major project, “Antalus," has resulted in published writing, performance, and visual art, a multidimensional feat of world-building that challenges convention. Within the imaginary lands of Antalus, he has constructed a tapestry of diverse cultures and rituals through archaic representations, including imaginary alphabets, calendars, maps, fantastical creatures, and botanical wonders, rooted in his travels, research, and nostalgia for his land. Her works blend and recontextualize allegories and popular traditions in a contemporary context and symbolism.he built a tapestry of different cultures and rituals through archaic representations, including imaginary alphabets, calendars, maps, fantastic creatures and botanical wonders, which are rooted in his travels, research and nostalgia for his homeland. His works blend and recontextualize allegories and popular traditions in a contemporary context and symbolism.he built a tapestry of different cultures and rituals through archaic representations, including imaginary alphabets, calendars, maps, fantastic creatures and botanical wonders, which are rooted in his travels, research and nostalgia for his homeland. His works blend and recontextualize allegories and popular traditions in a contemporary context and symbolism.