2023-(Ongoing)
Painting, Video Installation
This project is based on a fictional story which is centred on the ideal landscape of home, a homeland perceived primarily from a distance through memory. This imaginary landscape has been portrayed through a fictional imagery, shaped over time after experiences of displacement.
The project is focused on an individual who works both as an artist/painter and as a London bus driver. Her paintings primarily feature flowers called Fritillaria Imperialis or Crown Imperial, which represent her daydreams of a romanticised homeland. The Fritillaria Imperialis originated in the Iranian mountains called Alborz.
Adopting the format of an interview focused on the artist’s life, the fantasy world is created. This world is built through the interactive exchange of ideas and thoughts between the artist and interviewer/visitor, who in this case happens to be the actual artist of the painting. The conversation revolves around their position and role in society and the art scene.
By creating a character and naming these paintings after him/her, this appraoch serves to challenge notions of authorship and identity, the latter in particular is related to the Diaspora experience. Ultimately, the project raises the question of ‘Whether should I, as the narrator who is also the viewer/visitor, identify myself as the bus driver, the artist, both or neither?”