United Contemporary is thrilled to present Re-entrant, the inaugural exhibition by Iranian-born painter, Anahita Akhavan. Based in Toronto, Akhavan’s use of geometry is derived from personal nostalgia, interpreting Islamic tapestry and architecture through her bold canvases and a rich intuitive colour palette. With a focus on traditional abstract points used in secular and religious storytelling, Re-entrant borrows its title from the Anatolia prayer rug key-hole motif, a simple lock shape characterized by weavers to represent a oneness with God. Arranging these familiar forms into contemporary compositions, like puzzle pieces to create new meaning, Akhavan’s practice continues an ongoing exploration into geometry as a means of expression for the various concepts that inhabit her work./// Inspired by the Shadirvan and Persian fountains, that act both as functional and monuments of worship, Akhavan uses repetition of ornamental form in order to find a sense of harmony through predictability. Furthering her visual language through an advanced use of colour theory, Akhavan has a keen interest in depth, which is achieved by pushing and pulling layers of paint. Griding is traditionally used to enlarge an image, and is a technique adopted by the artist to create circular forms (similar to the practice used in tapestry). Circles can become crescents or triangles for instance, in that they contain other shapes.