There is a Voice, There is a Light

2002

Poetry played an integral role in shaping my perspective…

As a child, I was introduced to poetry through the works of Mehdi Akhavan Sales. However, it was during my teenage years, when I began to explore literature in greater depth, that I discovered the profound and enlightening works of Jalal al-Din Rumi. Studying Rumi’s ideas and poetry inspired me to delve deeper into poetry and discover other poets. It was during this exploration that I discovered the works of Sohrab Sepehri, and felt a connection to his poetry.

For my project, “There is a voice, there is a light,” I drew inspiration from Sohrab Sepehri’s poetry. His work evokes vivid imagery and embodies profound concepts, which I aimed to convey in my own works. I meticulously layered tar onto velvety opaque paper, creating a haunting beautiful effect that captures the essence of Sohrab Sepehri’s poetry.

My works pay tribute to the influence of Sohrab Sepehri’s profound poetry on my artistic journey. The silence in his poetry, much like the empty spaces in my works, offer a deep understanding of life and encourage reflection on the meaning of his words. “There is a voice, there is a light” is my artistic expression and interpretation of the teaching and messages of Sohrab Sepehri, a contemporary Persian poet whose works continue to inspire me.