Parastoo Mahmoudi

Unattained Dreams

Unattained Dream is an immersive installation containing six layers of clear plasticsheets. The narrative of unattained dreams and what-if sentences on each sheet overlap. Theposition of the sheets creates a lost horizon line, and the height of the installation isoverwhelming and creates a feeling of disorientation. Writings on plastic layers speak toinexperienced memories and unattained dreams. The words that fell from the sheets onto theground suggest the never-ending dialogue around reality, memory and dreams in space. Theoverlapping layers of written plastic sheets created a multiplied perspective, and horizon linesreferring to Hito Steyerl can create the feeling of loss and disorientation. Using plastic sheetsregisters the hateful and saddening message and how no one is interested to hear it.“people are not interested to hear sad stories; they only want to hear about fashion, money andentertainment.” Joan W. Scott

“My work explores the complexities of memory through mark-making, layering, editing, and excavating language. I was born in a country at war for eight years. I spent most of my childhood and teenage years immersed in a backdrop of violence and political unrest. My wall series is an expression of these complicated fragmented memories and a desire to communicate deep emotions and give voice to this ruptured history. We are born and live to enjoy, love, absorb creation, and learn how to control and navigate our lives. These innate luxuries were never part of my formative experience and have thus framed the way I live and create. Each layer of this multi-layered work signifies a significant moment of life. When the moment is gone, the moment's memory is the only thing that stays forever; constantly reforming and constantly replaceable.”