NEGAR AHKAMI

Negar Ahkami's newest works are inspired by the feeling of movement in patterns of Persian art and architecture, and by the vibrant dancing at Iranian gatherings.

With paintings and interactive dance platforms, Ahkami aims to create hospitable work inspired by Iranian art and humanity, as reminders of how people endure dark seasons of history. Her motifs and symbols channel Persian holidays and gatherings celebrating light over darkness; but also aim to resonate with diverse cultures and communities. The simultaneous specificity and universality of her sources aims to subvert barriers.

This new work is part of an ongoing installation "Y'All Go Rhythm", which marks a vibe-shift in Ahkami's work, and a call for IRL gathering and tactile creativity. Making the dance platforms, Ahkami thinks about the collage work and freedoms paved by Stonewall veteran Tommy Lanigan-Schmidt, as well as the creative freedoms of DIY Punk, mural and street art.