A Night to Remember at Evergreen Cultural Centre

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Adobe Architecture: A Cultural and Historical Perspective

Adobe architecture, with its sun-dried clay bricks, is a symbol of Iranian desert architecture. This ancient building technique has been used for centuries to create structures that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Adobe buildings are known for their thermal properties, keeping the interiors cool in the hot desert climate. The architectural style is characterized by its simplicity and elegance, using natural materials to create beautiful and enduring structures.

“Bam Citadel“

One of the most significant examples of adobe architecture is the Bam Citadel, dating back to the 5th or 6th century CE. As a crucial point of reference on the Silk Road, it was a bustling hub where traders moving from east to west could stay overnight and feed their horses.

Sadly, much of the Citadel was destroyed in the 2003 earthquake.

Art and Conversations

From the moment I stepped into the Evergreen Cultural Centre, the air was buzzing with excitement and anticipation. The evening began with a guided tour of the unearthed exhibition. Led by the talented artist Jamal Tabasinejad and curator Katherine Dennis,

The Exhibition: Unearthed

A Personal Journey Through Art

Both Jamal and Mitra have a deep personal connection to adobe architecture, and this connection is evident in their work.

Their exhibitions beautifully complemented each other, creating a cohesive and immersive experience for the viewers, exploring the themes of memory, heritage, and the passage of time through the lens of adobe architecture. Each piece was a testament to the artists’ skill and their deep connection to their cultural roots.

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Jamal Tabasinejad’s Paintings

These paintings are a vibrant exploration of adobe architecture, capturing the beauty and intricacy of these ancient structures. His use of straw and form brings to life the architectural marvels of Iran’s desert regions.

For Jamal, it is a source of inspiration and a way to explore his cultural heritage. He spoke about the cultural and historical significance of these structures and how they have inspired his work.

He explained that his family hails from the region where these adobe structures are common, which has fueled his lifelong fascination with their beauty, particularly the wind towers erected atop these houses. His main motivation for painting these scenes is to share them with the newer and younger generation of Iranians who cannot visit Iran. He fears that these structures might not exist in the foreseeable future, making his work not only a tribute to the past but also a means of preserving this heritage for the future.

His work not only showcases the physical attributes of these structures but also delves into their cultural and historical significance.

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Mitra Mahmoodi’s Sculptures

Mitra Mahmoodi’s sculptures were particularly moving. Her work, inspired by her grandparents’ adobe houses, evoked a sense of nostalgia and emotional depth. She masterfully captured the cool, dark corridors and intricate textures of these traditional homes, allowing viewers to experience the emotional complexity of her memories.

Using a restricted color palette, the sculptures effectively evoke the essence of adobe. She meticulously mixed red and white clay, locally sourced, to achieve the desired textures and hues reminiscent of the structures she remembers from her childhood.

Unfortunately, an incident that often plagues ceramic artists occurred during her creative process. As clay isn’t finished until it is set, a cold snap in January caused some of her work to be damaged. This unforeseen event required Mitra to undergo the arduous process of repairing and re-firing the pieces, showcasing her resilience and dedication to her craft.

Her sculptures are not just art; they are tangible memories, each piece telling a story of joy, fear, and nostalgia. With the ability to evoke such profound emotions through her work; it is truly remarkable!

During the discussion, the relationship between Jamal’s paintings and Mitra’s ceramics was highlighted. Jamal is dedicated to painting his perspective and experiences with the feel of these places, while Mitra predominantly works from memory of specific places like a corridor or a window that drives her work. This makes the conversation between their works interesting as both artists evoke a sense of home but use different visual vocabularies to achieve that. The roughness of the straws used in Jamal’s paintings contrasts with the smoothness of Mitra’s ceramics.

One audience member noted that Mitra’s ceramics and sculptures evoke the large pots of water found in traditional Iranian gardens, which stay cool in the summer. Despite the warmth projected by the color and texture of her ceramics, they invoke a sense of coolness and refreshment for Iranians, linking her work to cultural and sensory memories.

Reflections on Mitra’s work were equally compelling. Bita Rezaei shared that looking through the holes in her sculptures is like seeing through the eyes of young Mitra. Family is very important in Persian culture, and houses were built prioritizing the comfort of family. The interior and exterior of the houses were connected through very dark corridors, meant to provide natural refuge. For Mitra, going from the outside to inside gave her a feeling of apprehension, a sentiment she aims to capture in her sculptures.

Community and Collaboration

After the tour, we gathered in the lake-side lobby for refreshments. This was more than just a chance to enjoy some delicious snacks; it was an opportunity to connect with fellow artists and attendees. Bita Rezaei led a lively discussion, encouraging everyone to share their thoughts and experiences; filled with animated conversations and the sharing of ideas, creating a strong sense of community among the participants.

“Events like this remind us of the power of community and the importance of supporting each other’s creative journeys.”

The lively discussions and exchange of ideas created a vibrant and supportive community highlighting the importance of collaboration in the creative process, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual support among the participants.

A Night to Remember

This was a truly special event. It not only showcased the incredible talent of Jamal Tabasinejad and Mitra Mahmoodi but also brought together a vibrant Persian community invoking a celebration of cultural heritage, artistic expression, and highlighting the power of art to connect us to our past and to each other. As I left the Centre, I felt inspired and grateful for the opportunity to be part of and experience such a memorable, lovely community.

If you have the opportunity to attend, I highly recommend diving into the captivating realms these talented artists have crafted. Until next time, stay curious and continue to explore the art that surrounds you!

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