The reflective paintings of Nasser Ghaderi entice curious viewers to create their own meanings.
The new exhibit, Abstract in Action, is on now in the art gallery of the Chilliwack Cultural Centre until July 20.
Vancouver artist Nasser Ghaderi makes it clear that he arrived to the discipline of painting from the florid worlds of poetry and film.
In an effort to produce original and spontaneous work, according to his bio, Ghaderi made the conscious decision not to take any formal art training and to abstain from studying other artists’ work.
He avoided using the more typical tools and techniques and instead he throws, splashes, drizzles, and swirls the paint on the canvas.
“The key to creating such pieces is to paint without being conscious of what is emerging.”
He lets each painting “impose itself” on him instead of letting his thoughts be imprinted on the painting.
“This can happen only by eliminating the self.”
In this way, the paintings are mirrors.
“The motifs are a reflection of the viewers who stand in front of them.”
The art work allows viewers to actively create their own meanings and consequently construct the paintings allowing them to become their own. This involvement turns the viewer into the creator. The paintings therefore are dynamic and fluid as each time they are viewed, they change.
Each work finds a new identity when viewed by a different person, giving the work infinite life.
“Art is the gap between life and death,” he said. “And painting is as simple and as complex as taking a breath.”
Abstract in Action, by Nasser Ghaderi, June 6 to July 20, in the Chilliwack Art Gallery, Hours are: Wednesday – Saturday: Noon – 5 p.m.; Open 6:30 – 7:30 pm on show evenings, at 9201 Corbould Street.