Each narrative piece invites viewers to discover wonders, rooted in the creator's homeland. With vivid, bright colours inspired by traditional markets and Iranian carpets, these dynamic scenes now adorn the walls of the Philippe Bettan Gallery in Lyon. The Philippe Bettan Gallery in Lyon, France has opened a new exhibition featuring the works of young Iranian painter Elham Etemadi, curated by artistic director Aida Mojallal.
Etemadi, who has exhibited her art in galleries around the world, finds her paintings subconsciously influenced by the changes and events in her homeland. "In my works, the subconscious reveals itself through symbols, layered techniques, compositions where sometimes women take the central role," she explains. "This issue has not always been directly and explicitly present in my works, but I cannot say it has not had an indirect and subconscious influence.
" With a PhD in visual arts from the University of Strasbourg, Etemadi reflects on Iran's impact on her art: "The homeland always influences the visual aspects of any painter's works, like the mother tongue; from the colour palette, forms, composition, and storytelling in my works. The world I want to define is influenced by the storytelling culture of our land, which has always played a central role in my works. The colours and imagery of Iranian carpets and traditional markets manifest themselves in my work.
" Aida Mojallal, the French-Iranian artistic director at Philippe Bettan Gallery, describes Etema.
