Afrassiabi’s
display works’ are informal constructions that resemble
commercial displays - utilitarian objects, building and decorating
materials are casually combined by placing leaning and propping.
At times these elements retain their untapped practical potential
– an unplugged table lamp, or cooking oil left in its original
packaging– whilst at others they are exposed true to their
intended function – wallpaper pasted to the wall. The title
of each work is a combination of ‘Display’ coupled
with a factual description of one or two of the included elements.
An example of this can be seen in ‘Shelf Display with Toby
Jug (Head of a Man)’, 2002, which consists of plaster board
sample, lamp, packaged shelf, brackets, rolled wallpaper, Toby
jug and fake wood plastic finishing profile with price tag.
Here the shelf functions normally by supporting the remaining
objects whose utilitarian employment stay untouched.
The suite of untitled drawings are a selection from a larger
body that juxtapose pencil drawings of abstract structures with
collaged sections taken from mail order catalogues and interior
magazines.
‘Demolition Doll Rods’, 2002,
is an 18-minute documentary video of the Detroit band playing
live in London. The video concentrates primarily on the band
setting up rather than their live performance and continues
Afrassiabi’s interest in theatricality through methods
of animate and inanimate display.
For further information or images please contact Sarah McCrory:
+44(0) 20 8981 3344 or: sarah@vilmagold.com
Shahin Afrassiabi Shelf Display with Toby Jug (Head of a Man), 2002
mixed media
65 x 25 x 62 cm
Shahin Afrassiabi Self-portrait I, 1993-2002
oil on canvas
30 x 40 cm
