tandis website by Javid Ramezani
translated by behrad sharifi
Realistic representation of objects and spaces has long been disputed in art. Life itself is a form of representation, either we represent or be represented. At the same time that artist is representing objects and their relations, he or she re represented by viewer and critic. So art is life itself with a touch of thoughtfulness and intentionality.
Representing is also called as imitation, imitating from people, objects and events. When painter adds something more to work art is born.
Vahed Khakdan is a painter who is trying to express something more than just surface of events and issues, an image beyond a mere copy. Common visual experience of the world has never been satisfying and artists have always been in a challenge to understand the truth of objects and issues. On arrival at Vahed Khakdan’s exhibition his process of evolution from abstract to photorealism is clear.
Vahed Khakdan was born in 1950 and he graduated from Fine Art Conservatory in 1971. After studying architecture at university of decorative Arts he immigrated to Germany in 1981. His first exhibition in 1974 was presented with abstract expression. Immigration is a central issue Khakdan’s works, which has given a concept to his works. He has been away from Iran for thirty years and after testing western art direction and deep understanding of its culture, now he marks a different ways. Khakdan’s early works in abstract is under influence of modern art. Specific geometric structure and atmosphere of these works later can be seen in his realistic compositions. Organizing early experiences with a focus on still life gives a new life to his work.
From 1976 to this day his commitment to realistic forms can be seen in his works. In his contemporary works light is an element, which gives a holy identity to ultramontane objects. Nostalgia in unstable mixture of non-national painting has generated a volume of objects that sometimes presented in a simple and mostly in a confusing combination. Puppets, pictures, household tools, dried plants as if exhibits a cache of destroyed objects that has made living of his subject in fear and confusion. Fear of identity and locative chaos imposes suffering on artist, so he chose a path other than today’s art that is accepted by majority. Artist’s fear is visible in his six drawings. Burden of existence in faces drawn by compressed and scary composition shows painter’s concerns. This point can prove value and feelings of Khakdan’s works.
In a sense behind his deliberated and colorful paintings, fear and anxiety of artist and audience will heal and world will sink in a decent oblivion. When artist’s works are faced by audience’s aesthetic experiences they will be preoccupied by a calm fantasy and simplicity.
Another notable point is the way his work has been presented in the gallery. They are mostly digital prints, which are signed by the artist and are for sale. On the other hand packages with same prints in small sizes with limited editions are also available for sale.
This type of presentation will allow the artist to keep the original work and also facilitate the possibility for a broader range of audiences to access the art works.
