In Praise of Light Light is finite; it comes and goes, while the infinite darkness remains ever-present. Yet, the impact of light appears in a different way. The fleeting quality of light can transform shapes and landscapes in an instant. From this perspective, “light” becomes the source of this delightful chaos—a transient, limited possibility to glimpse the infinite darkness. Here, I first discovered forms through photography of figures in enclosed spaces with limited light sources and then captured their movement and vitality in drawing and painting. To create this atmosphere, I was inspired by the compositions and lighting of the Baroque period, particularly the works of Caravaggio. Caravaggio once said, “You don’t look at my works, you don’t gaze at them, you feel them.” The primordial darkness, the shadows and penumbras, and the beams of light-symbols of life for me-envelop parts of the figures. Faces, hands, feet, and bodies shrouded in darkness become enlivened by a narrow beam of light. They seem to transcend their usual form and place, dancing with their shadows. I have strived to capture and convey the essence of that fleeting, pure moment.
Untitled/ Mixed media on cardboard/ H41 × W54 cm/ H16.1 × W21.2 in / 2022
FATEMEH SHAKOORI
Good omen/ Mixed media on cardboard/ H 39 × W 39 cm/ H 15.3× W 15.3 in/ 2018
FATEMEH SHAKOORI
Certainty/ Pencil on cardboard/ H 19 × W 25 cm/ H 7.4 × W 9.8 in/ 2019
FATEMEH SHAKOORI
Touch of light/ Pencil on cardboard/ H 27 × W 40 cm/ H 10.6 × W 15.7 in/ 2019
FATEMEH SHAKOORI
Hesitation/ Pencil on cardboard/ H 29 × W 42 cm/ H 11.4 × W 16.5 in/ 2019
FATEMEH SHAKOORI
Denial/ Pencil on cardboard/ H 29 × W 29 cm/ H 11.4× W 11.4 in/ 2018
FATEMEH SHAKOORI
Ecstasy/ Mixed media on cardboard/ H 39 × W 51 cm/ H 15.3× W 20 in/ 2017
FATEMEH SHAKOORI
Crucified/ Mixed media on cardboard/ H39 × W39 cm - H15.3 × W15.3 in/ 2021
FATEMEH SHAKOORI
IN PRAISE OF LIGHT, Installation view, 2023
FATEMEH SHAKOORI
IN PRAISE OF LIGHT, Installation view, 2023
FATEMEH SHAKOORI
IN PRAISE OF LIGHT, Installation view, 2023
FATEMEH SHAKOORI
IN PRAISE OF LIGHT, Installation view, 2023
FATEMEH SHAKOORI