Mahnaz Kokabi's Paintings at Seyhun Gallery - 2002-08-26

Mahnaz Kokabi is showcasing sixteen pieces of her semi-relief paintings, created using a combination of materials such as plaster, fabric, metal mesh, wood, and clay, from September 2 to September 7 of this year (August 24 to August 29) at Seyhun Gallery in Tehran. Kokabi, a 37-year-old university professor and researcher, has been creating unique images and paintings inspired by her studies of ancient Elamite images and reliefs for several years. This time, like in her previous two exhibitions (Seyhun Gallery – 1996) and (Arya Gallery – 1999), she has focused on the theme of 'Ancient Iranian Iconography' while extensively using authentic colors from ancient Iran such as lapis lazuli, red, gold, black, and turquoise. Although her new paintings have taken on a more modern hue, it is essential to note that her works are inspired by the motifs of the past, which, due to their simplicity, are very close to contemporary abstract and modern paintings. Among the most important elements emphasized in this contemporary artist's latest exhibition are the masks of ancient Elamite mythical gods, creatures that are between human and animal, and horned heads. In fact, in ancient Elam, people paid special attention to masks and horned heads, even worshipping them. Additionally, some of her paintings reference inscriptions left from ancient times. Overall, it can be said that Kokabi has tried to present ancient motifs and images in a modern format, showcasing both the pure art of the past and her own creativity and innovation.