Nazanin Parviz
Traces of the Inner Realm
Praz-Delavallade
March 30 – May 4, 2024
Traces of the Inner Realm, exhibited at Praz-Delavallade (now closed), invites the viewer to delve into a fantastical and dreamy garden teeming with flora, fauna, and mythical creatures. Each piece by Nazanin Parviz captivates with intricate movements and delicate strokes of a technical pen on paper and claybord. Through the use of a monochromatic painting style, the artist transports one to an eternal world of enchantment.
Intrinsic Majesty
Having grown up in Iran and residing in the U.S. for many years, Parviz reinterprets Persian cultural symbols and mythical motifs, infusing her artistic narrative with depth and richness. The Custodian showcases a traditional Persian art form, Golo-Morgh, which means flower and bird. The original motif references a bird singing to a flower as a metaphor for the desire of the human soul to unite with the divine, and is based on the philosophy and idea of synchronizing with the universe and accepting life as it is. Awakening Waltz visualizes a garden with germinating, blooming, and wilting flowers, depicting acceptance and the will to harmonize with life’s unpredictability and uncertainty.
Mystic Portal
Mystic Portal magnifies the details of a flourishing mushroom forest, and prompts the viewer to contemplate the hidden worlds of microorganisms that often escape human attention. Furthermore, the detailed portrayal of insects such as a damselfly and snails conveys peace, calmness, self-reliance, and patience. The fusion of these elements calls attention to the existence of other living creatures in nature.
Reviere Realm
Mindscape is a masterful example of Parviz’s skillful use of technical pen. This painting not only illustrates a flourishing miniature garden, but also features several symbolic and mythical creatures that modernize the traditional miniature garden approach, symbolizing different facets of life. The bird hoopoe, a prominent mythical creature in Persian lore, represents a messenger and guide to other creatures. Here, she perches on the edge of the painting towards a world beyond the frame, but with her gaze back at the garden behind her.
The Custodian
The hoopoe also symbolizes enlightenment in human life. Additionally, a demon embodying the dark aspects of human nature faces the garden where mushrooms have bloomed, while a large moving fish imbues the garden with life energy, signifying liberation from constraints and connectivity with the divine. Parviz expertly reimagines the traditional miniature concept via blending elements from various myths, enriching her paintings with diverse narratives. Parviz’s dedication to meticulously crafting every piece reflects her commitment to craft, captivating and drawing viewers into her mesmerizing world of mystery.
Cover image: Awakening Waltz; all images courtesy of Praz-Delavallade, photographed by Reza Rostampisheh.
