Statement:

O Gallery presents “Dark Day”, an exhibition of recent works by Ali Ganjavi (b.1980 Sari), marking his third solo show with the gallery.

This exhibition features a number of acrylic works on canvas in relatively large dimensions. High light-dark contrast and limited use of colors, with an emphasis on blue tonality, are among the first characteristics that captivate the viewer’s attention.///

Upon closer examination of the elements in each image, with a specific focus on the painter’s approach to representing figures and characters, we become familiar with sculptures and pre-made volumes, possibly made of plaster, as if created somewhere before taking shape in the artist’s imagination.

These figures are intentionally depicted in a dark setting, with patches of light illuminated by spotlights.

The characters in the “noir” scenes of “Dark Day” are mostly sculptures of humans or animals carefully thought out in a space resembling a stage set, studio or even a corner of a room, with attention to detail and sensibility.

The arrangement of the elements of each work, alongside other visual qualities – contrast, light and color – signifies a power hierarchy prior to any interpretation and more than anything, conveys a sense of terror and fear that is perhaps unfamiliar to both its characters and possibly its audience.