AFSHIN NAGHOUNI
Iranian by birth, artist Afshin Naghouni (Ash) now lives and works in London. Considered a child prodigy, Ash had won a number of regional and national painting competitions between the ages of 9 and 12, but arrived in England with nothing after an accident that left him wheelchair bound. He applied for political asylum and lived in a nursing home for over two years until his application was processed, selling paintings on the street. Finding support initially through the Prince’s Trust, Ash was mentored by John Ritchie and worked for five years in setting himself up. He went on to study at London Metropolitan University and has been exhibiting his work ever since.
Afshin’s vast canvases are the foundation for layers upon layers of oil, resin and glossy photographic imagery. Western women flaunt themselves in various stages of undress while Eastern women peer out modestly from burqas. We are forced to consider the nature of exploitation and oppression in Ash’s vision. The appropriately contrasting mediums of photo/ paint are at times difficult to distinguish between, blurring the line that divides reality and illusion.
The Veil Mixed media on canvas,180 x 150 cm 2013
Most of what we deem real is an enhanced version of reality. I continually remind the viewer that there is a darker, more sinister concept embedded within, which at first glance seems visually pleasing - harmless even - but then it challenges you to discern what is real‌ as we become what we wear and what we wear becomes even more important than the person we are, we dissolve under the veneer of it all.
A Classic Case In Modernity Mixed media on canvas 76 x 61 cm 2015
Elective Affinities III Mixed media on canvas 76 x 51 cm 2014
Elective Affinities IV Mixed media on canvas 51 x 51 cm 2014
Elective Affinities V Mixed media on canvas 76 x 51 cm 2014
Equilibrium Mixed media on canvas 150 x 120 cm 2014
Product Of A Year Mixed media on canvas 180 x 150 cm 2014
Sungazing Mixed media on canvas 150 x 120 cm 2014
Irony Mixed media on canvas 180 x 150 cm 2014
Stardust Mixed media on canvas 180 x 150 cm 2014
Dream Stream I Mixed media on canvas 140 x 120 cm 2014
Dream Stream II Mixed media on canvas 150 x 120 cm 2014
The Dupery Mixed media on canvas 180 x 150 cm 2013
Pressure Point Mixed media on canvas 120 x 120 cm 2013
The Veil Mixed media on canvas 180 x 150 cm 2013
Reflection Mixed media on canvas 160 x 150 cm 2013
Beauty Of The Beast VIII Mixed media on canvas 50 x 40 cm 2013
Bruised Mixed media on canvas 150 x 120 cm 2015
Cusp Mixed media on canvas 180 x 150 cm 2015
Eve Mixed media on canvas 180 x 150 cm 2015
National Property Aka Namoose Mellat Mixed media on canvas 180 x 150 cm 2015
The Greatest Guide Mixed media on canvas 200 x 150 cm 2015
The Warmest Colour Mixed media on canvas 180 x 150 cm 2015
Blue Screen Mixed media on canvas 180 x 150 cm 2014
Fallen Heroes Aka Double Standards Mixed media on canvas 150 x 250 cm, 2015
Selected exhibitions 2014
Objectification, Go Figurative, London Art for Youth, Kensington Royal College of Art, London Peykan, Aun Gallery Tehran, Iran Discerning Eye, Mall Galleries, London Peace from the Bottom of My Art, Opera Gallery, London Objectification (Solo), Go Figurative, London
2011
Kensington Royal College of Art, London, Art for Youth.
2010
Kensington Royal College of Art, London, Art for Youth.
2002
ZCMI Center, Salt Lake City, Utah. Nikombashi Mitsokushi, Tokyo.
2001
St Raphael Gallery, London. London and Brunei Gallery, London.
2000-2009 The Mall Gallery, London. 1999
Bexley, Kent, England.
1997
Afran Gallery, Tehran, Iran.
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