Statement:

Kamran Samimi's first exhibition with The Third Line - Before Nature (I Am Both Created and Destroyed) - draws inspiration from the land's rich tapestry of natural materials.///

Currently, in the middle of his three-week trip to Dubai, Samimi harnesses the organic shapes of the UAE's mountains and rocks to make his paintings entitled Translations (2023). Alongside the paintings, he is also producing a large stone sculpture entitled Unbroken Column (2023), which will be displayed outdoors in Alserkal Avenue. Delving into the concealed narratives of the UAE's mountainous terrain, Samimi's practice is deeply rooted in a profound sense of place.

As he explores the dynamics between human and non-human ancestors, his multicultural identity (Iranian/Norwegian, raised in rural Hawai'i) lends a distinctive perspective to unraveling these connections and conflicts.

Translations (2023), becomes an exploration beneath the surface of Dubai's contemporary architecture. Reaching beyond the rocky foundation, Samimi interprets the stories and consciousness embedded in the city's roots. Through careful observation and interpretation of the large boulders scattered across the surrounding desert, he seeks to resurrect the spirit of the landscape. 

Transitioning globally, the pieces Small Monuments (2023) become a profound exploration as Samimi unearths stones from significant locations worldwide. Sensitive to the wordless language of the natural world, he collaborates with both visible and invisible forces to transform each stone into a canvas. The exhibition's narrative expands with Rain Paintings(2023) a poetic homage to Samimi's childhood in rural Hawai'i. These artworks capture the nightly rain that served as a soothing lullaby during challenging times. 

At the exhibition's core is the sculpture Unbroken Column (2023), crafted from limestone segments, paying tribute to ancient religious structures in the region. Reflecting on the age-old practice of etching beliefs into stone—a tradition followed throughout history—it stands as a powerful reminder amidst Dubai's modernity.

In a landscape of glass and steel monuments, Unbroken Column (2023), signifies a connection between ancient traditions and contemporary aspirations, encapsulating Samimi's exploration and the profound narratives woven throughout the showcase.