O Gallery presents “Fold/Unfold”, an exhibition of recent works by Niloofar Lohrasbi (b. 1984, Tehran).
This show consists of thirteen mixed media works on canvas, plywood and paper, ranging from medium to relatively large dimensions. At first glance, the works appear abstract and low contrast, almost monotonous. Pale surfaces with low color contrast display the artist’s gentle, yet clear expression.
On a closer look, faded lines next to these colored surfaces show themselves to the viewer. These lines blend with those pale surfaces as if the work had been “folded” before for some reason and is now unfolding, or marked to be “folded” for the first time. From the abstract and almost shapeless surfaces that are seen in some of the works, we gradually reach surfaces with more specific and geometric shapes that hold more distinct, geometrical forms in which the “folded” lines, establish a thoughtful and conscious visual and pictorial relationship that provides the intellectual basis for understanding the works.
With each “folding”, the artist hides an expression by which “unfolding” it reveals a new unexpressed. The unexpressed that distances itself from color; however metaphorical, to base the artist`s way of expression in this collection. As this expression takes on a more well-known shape in the form of an image, it also expands its meaning in perception.