From "Underground" 2008

Samira Eskandarfar made this painting, called "From Underground", in oils on canvas. The artist is deep in sepia tones, and these figures emerge from the shadows, seeming to share a secret. I can feel the careful building up of layers in this work. It’s like she's sifting through memories or constructing a new mythology. The paint is applied in thin glazes, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. I keep returning to the hand holding what looks like a stick of chalk – it is such a direct and intimate gesture, like the offer of communication, or a tool for expression. I wonder if Eskandarfar intended to connect us to the act of creation or some form of intimate ritual. I imagine her, brush in hand, in conversation with artists across time. It’s through paintings like these that we can appreciate the rich tapestry of human experience and how each artist's unique perspective adds to the collective story.