Farzaneh Moallef

Dinner Table 'میز شام'

The transformative process of material manipulation—pushing clay, plastic, and other materials to their limits—reflects the impact of extreme conditions on both the human psyche and the Earth as an autopoietic system. Ultimately rendering the ceramic vessels as symbolic ruins symbolizes the fragility and resilience of existence. This material transformation, inspired by the work of artists such as Magdalena Abakanowicz and Anselm Kiefer (Gilmour 342), reflects a journey through thresholds of resilience.

“Exploring the seven-thousand-year-old traditions of pottery in Iran (Majidzadeh 217), I connect my vessels to a place charged with history while infusing elements from my pottery practice in Toronto inspired by Shery Boyle. The ceramic vessels, arranged around a table symbolizing an intimate food-sharing experience, feature roses incised in the interior of the vessels, depicting varying life cycles and the word love 'عشق' written on their exteriors. These vessels serve as carriers of cultural heritage and personal narratives, delving into ancient pottery traditions from Iran and linking my creative expression to a rich historical context. Through the integration of diverse experiences and artistic influences, the vessels embody the continuity of tradition and the fusion of cultures.”