| Look & Listen: Magic, chance in Samandari's work |
|
|
| Wednesday, 18 July 2007 | ||
Medium: Photography Best known for: Magical realism. He manipulates photographic images of nature and people, sometimes using experimental techniques, often incorporating text. In his Contemporary Art Month exhibit, “In Search of the Beloved,” Samandari presents 15 photographs of women taken in Brackenridge Park, Guadalupe River State Park and other natural areas, with verses by the Sufi poet Rumi inscribed on them. “The theme is sort of the idea of seeking that which is internal, one's own sense of spirit, spirituality,” Samandari said. He used a 4x5 view camera and Polaroid paper. For some of the pieces, he used the Polaroid negative to create a print on watercolor paper; for others, he developed the picture and soaked it in boiling water until the gelatin image peeled off, thin as onion skin, then applied it to watercolor paper. “I like the process because it leaves a lot to mystery, a lot to chance,” he said. He then scanned the images and digitally added Rumi's original Farsi words and his own English translations. Background: Samandari was born in Iran and moved to Texas when he was 17. He earned a bachelor's degree in business at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin and studied photography at San Antonio College. Paying the bills: Besides selling his work, he does commercial photography at his Blue Star space, Magical Realism Studio, and works part time at a bookstore. Check him out: “In Search of the Beloved” opens at Bihl Haus Arts, 2803 Fredericksburg Road, with a reception from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 20. Samandari discusses his work and reads excerpts from Rumi at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 21. The exhibit runs through Aug. 18. Call (210) 732-3502. Some of his works are also posted at myspace.com/magicalrealismstudio. Jessica Belasco | 210SA contributor |
||
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
.gif)
