"Khoda, the Persian word for God, and its related phonemes figure prominently in the current [work]. Rendered as the uncoupled or disengaging kha'-dal-alif, and repeated hypnotically, Angela's Khoda has a different vitality, a new presence. In the large-scale versions of Khoda printed on metal, the words cluster and unravel; the colorful letters become abstract forms, modular units of architectonic design. The negative void between the letters achieves its own visual primacy.
Related in meaning and form, the word Khoda'i is the active counterpart to Khoda, and perhaps can be understood as "godly," or else "masterly" as in Angela's interpretation. She runs together the letters of Khoda'i, which is inscribed over and over again within the geometric grid covering the back and seat of a silvery metal chair." - Linda Komaroff, Curator and Department Head, Art of the Middle East Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Angela Larian was born in Tehran in 1963. Larian moved to the United States in 1978 and is based in Los Angeles, California. Her extensive oeuvre of work showcases iconic visual language and multi-dimensional works through various mediums such as bronze, concrete, metal, neon, print and found objects. Her monumental bronze and iron sculptures are housed in a number of private and public collections.
Larian found her source of inspiration from philosophies of Plato and Nietzsche as well as the poetry of Rumi and Hafez. Her recent works draws inspiration from ancient Avestan, the language of Zoroastrian scripture, and the word Khoda in Farsi, which means not only God but literally the self (Khod) who has risen.
This majestic piece focuses on the paradigm of God and the divine within our modern culture. Larian believes her work allows the viewers to go beyond their sense of sight and encourage self-awareness. The present sculpture is a fine testament of Larian's bold use of stainless steel and acrylic mirror, incorporating both contemporary and traditional design elements.