AMIR R. HARIRI

Artist's Statement:

I draw to awaken the voices that fade when reality intrudes.

Biography:

Amir was born in Tehran, Iran, and immigrated to the U.S. to attend college in the early 1990's. He has studied printmaking (with further specialization in stone lithography) with Michael Pellettieri, and painting with William Scharf (both at the Art Students League of New York). His work incorporates his studies in anatomy, architecture and mechanics into an organic, "bio-mechanical" unity. Ancient mythology, both Eastern and Western, is used as a vehicle to explore modern angst. Overarching themes also include investigation of architectonic space and anthropomorphic anatomy.
Having been raised in the Middle East, Europe and America, Amir is constantly working to resolve the tensions between Eastern and Westernideology. Although his studies of mysticism, Sufism and miniature painting have helped him develop a rhythm to his visual language, as a result of experiencing revolution and war, he is forced to confront the monstrous and grotesque that lurk behind the routine of everyday life.