Beating of her Wings III 1987

Curator: Shirazeh Houshiary's "Beating of her Wings III" presents a fascinating dialogue between Eastern and Western artistic traditions, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Absolutely. The work on paper is a combination of drawing and text. It feels almost like a page from a scientific notebook, yet the forms are so evocative. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a powerful exploration of liminal spaces, both physical and cultural. Houshiary, as an Iranian artist working in Britain, often grapples with themes of displacement and identity. The calligraphic elements, juxtaposed with the organic forms, create a tension that speaks to the complexities of navigating multiple cultural identities. Do you think the wing-like shapes suggest a desire for transcendence, perhaps a longing for home? Editor: That's interesting. I was focused on the abstract shapes, but your interpretation opens up a whole new layer of understanding. I see it now. Curator: It's about situating the artwork within the artist's personal history and the broader socio-political landscape. Hopefully, considering these narratives helps us connect with the work on a deeper level. Editor: Definitely. I've gained a much richer understanding of the work.