Rhapsody of Freedom

Rhapsody of Freedom is realized by Iranian Painter and Poet Parimah Avani in 2023.

Sumi, Persian ink, and acrylic on kraft paper.

Hand-signed and dated.

Excellent conditions.

From the series "Resistance and Alchemical Metals"

The artwork is expressively poetic, with an exclusive title that refers to the socio-political context, and the application of limited color of metals" various copper, gold, silver, bronze" have metaphorical features of alchemy. In this series artist took positions, and gestures of revolutionary and rebellious bodies on the battlefield of revolution and transformed them dynamically into precious sources of resistance by spiritual transitions of colors akin to alchemy, meat, and blood found their symbolic meaning through colors and expressive brushstrokes, metals here refer to bodies of freedom seekers, shapable, flexible, shiny and a source of strength, that highlights how a body becomes a battlefield, a golden source of sacrifice, a silver font of resistance, copper as blood and women fighting for freedom. 

What makes this series unique: it is deeply behind the dynamic emotion of each gestural figure, in a minimalistic manner, and the vigorous and unbridled energy of brushstrokes, is raw, spontaneous, and emotionally charged. 

Her works in this series challenge oppression and gender-related issues by applying oriental brushstrokes of calligraphy in ink as a primary tool, to fragile subjects.

Parimah Avani, born in 1988 in Tehran, Iran, is a multidisciplinary artist and a recognized figure in contemporary hermetic Persian literature and the avant-garde "Other" movement. Her book, "Magic Verses of Antalus," was a finalist for the prestigious "Shamlou" Award. Her most recent achievement is winning an art competition for a scholarship from Werkstatt Plettenberg in Germany, culminating in a solo exhibition held at the Gallery of the German Bank of Sparkasse. Avani's artistic journey began with travels to China and Russia during her formative years, oriental philosophies, particularly Zen and Buddhism, and folk arts ignited her passion for comparative mythology evident in her archaic style. In 2009, she moved to Rome, Italy to study multimedia art, and gained a Master’s in painting at the Fine Art Academy of Rome. Immersed in cultural parallels between East and West, mythological themes transcend boundaries in art, exploring magic and ancient scripts inspired by the scholarly insights of Frazer and Eliade on rituals. Her anthropological view culminated in a Ph.D. in the history of contemporary art from Sapienza University, achieving excellence and honor. Her significant project, “Antalus," has led to published writings, performances, and visual art, —a multidimensional world-building endeavour that defies convention. Within the fictional lands of Antalus, she has constructed a diverse tapestry of cultures, and rituals by archaic representations, including imaginary alphabets, calendars, maps, fantasy creatures, and botanical wonders—rooted in her travels, research, and homeland nostalgia. Her works merge and recontextualize allegories and folk traditions in a contemporary context, and symbology.