Shahrzad Amin

Beyound the words

Using wood as a material that originates from nature, as a metaphor of my existence. I wrote the words in Farsi, to represent my connection with Iranian culture and literature. I hand burned them on the surface of the wood without any fear or hesitation and in perfect harmony with the wood’s natural patterns to visualize the sense of integration of Iranian culture and language with my existence. In contrast, the backward English laser-cut-words are arranged without any harmony with the natural wood’s patterns, and they are a metaphorical representation of challenges and difficulties I had when assimilating into the western culture.

“I am interested in language as a powerful tool to define and confine perception, gain an understanding of the world, and achieve excellence in communication and self-expression. Through the act of burning and mark-making, I aimed to draw people's attention to feel the intense challenge that I have as an immigrant with my present culture and language.””