Beyond Materials

 

BEYOND MATERIALS

An exhibition showcasing the works of first- and second-year MFA students. The exhibition

explores various approach to materiality and pushes the boundaries of traditional materials and

media.

Featuring:

Second-Year MFA Students:

o Tara Yadollahi

o Robin Hodgson

o Negar Baghlani

o Roland Samuel

First-Year MFA Students:

o Samantha Wigglesworth

o Pegah Khor

This exhibition showcases the works of MFA students in UBCO who express and interpret the

intricate relationship between materials and art. Each artist delves into the significance of

materiality in their work, exploring how it can be used to convey personal experiences and

societal challenges. The works displayed in the Fina gallery reflect the artists’ accumulated

knowledge and skills, as they utilize materials to visually articulate their unique perspectives.

Pegah’s landscapes are a poignant reflection of her personal journey through grief and loss over

the past six years. Her deliberate choice of materials, particularly paper, embodies the fragility

and vulnerability associated with these emotions. The paper’s capacity to absorb oil mirrors the

artist’s own emotional state, emphasizing the delicate balance between strength and fragility.

Through her work, Pegah engage viewers to contemplate the profound impact of loss and the

enduring power of human emotion.

Samantha’s artwork is a captivating fusion of traditional painting techniques and innovative

material choices. The oil painting of a model is a testament to the humanity, resilience, and

unwavering determination to live authentically in the trans community. The portrait’s striking

realism and emotional depth are further enhanced by the inclusion of three-dimensional acrylic

flowers, meticulously crafted over time. These floral elements creates a sense of depth and

texture that elevates the overall composition.

Tara’s artwork serves as a memorial for the lives lost in the tragic Iranian protests five years ago.

Presented in the form of a shroud, her piece symbolizes the bodies of those who were killed,draped in a simple piece of fabric. This representation evokes a profound sense of loss and grief,

embodying the collective suffering and pain experienced by countless individuals affected by

this tragedy.

Robin’s artwork blends artistic expression and technological innovation. He employs a specially

designed tool, crafted to assist individuals with disabilities, to create his paintings. This

innovative approach not only empowers the artist but also serves as an inspiration to others

facing similar challenges. The materiality of the work is embodied in the free-flowing

movements of the tool, which guide the creation of abstract and expressive forms. His painting

of flowers is a reminiscent of a memory piece, that evokes feelings of youthfulness and

fatherhood.

Roland’s sculptural work, “Object Poem,” is a meditative exploration of form and material. By

combining various shapes and materials, the piece invites viewers to engage in a silent

conversation with the object itself. Each component, like a word in a poem, contributes to a

layered narrative that unfolds as the viewer interacts with the sculpture.

Inspired by Roland Barthes’ concept of the “death of the author,” The materials in Roland’s

sculpture relinquishes control over the meaning. Instead, it invites viewers to become the authors

of their own interpretations, allowing the materials and forms to speak directly to their individual

experiences.

Negar’s work, titled “813 Rowcliffe Ave,” is an abstract composition that utilizes diverse

materials such as wood frames, fabrics, and nets. This piece creates a strong physical presence

within the gallery space.

The collage itself is constructed from the remnants of a broken gate from Negar’s previous home.

The process of creating this work was deeply personal, taking nearly a year to gather all the

necessary materials. Not only did Negar collect the shattered fragments of wood, but she also

incorporated parts of herself into the piece. This work symbolizes a journey of rebuilding and

healing, both physically and emotionally.

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