top of page

Sonati | Sanati, 2019

Sonati | Sanati pinpoints a disorientation in the consciousness of time and space caused by being in between the past and the present.

The installation explores the tensions between tradition and modernity in Iran while identifying the underlying sociopolitical and psychological issues. The signs are written in Persian and read sonati (right) and sanati (left), which translates to “traditional” and “industrial”. This humorous expression is used to describe someone who is behaving uncontrollably under the influence of a combination of plant-based and synthetic drugs. The artist adopts the phrase to talk about the wider social and political subject matter, namely how this delusional state of intoxication could be symbolically applied to a young Iranian experiencing a mix of tradition and modernity.

The LED also alludes to contemporary industrialized streetscapes and signs, while the mirror pieces, applied using Persian techniques and patterning, imply traditional skills and tradition. The psychedelic effects on the walls intrigue the viewers while the strobe of flashing lights causes distraction. This further emphasizes the push and pull caused by this identity crisis.

bottom of page