In Talar Aghbashian’s exhibition ‘Solace of the Afterimage’ at Marfa Projects, everything transforms into a tree, painted and omnipresent. The landscapes undergo a gradual metamorphosis, revealing a progression from structured forms to figures. A narrative emerges as Aghbashian navigates through the creation of character structures, at times resembling monsters or transient vampires. These entities encapsulate bits of landscape, blurring the distinction until the landscape itself becomes the focal point—an entity as alive and breathing as its figurative counterparts, inviting observers to reevaluate their connection to the living landscape often overlooked.
Aghbashian’s works employ a set-like framing that directs attention to the transient space within the frame. As the artist aids the painting in finding its legs, a process of gathering various elements ensues, fostering a sense of flow and movement. This amalgamation mirrors the ephemerality of life, encompassing all entities—living and non-living, eroding cultures, lands known and unknown. The inclusion of speedy drawing lines contributes to the painting’s freedom, becoming an integral part of its essence. Meanwhile, the firm, cartoon-like outlines serve a dual purpose: accentuating forms with irony and wit, stripping them down to amplify their reality through the language of painting.
About Talar Aghbashian
Born in Beirut in 1981, Talar Aghbashian, currently residing in London, UK, is a painter whose work delves into the intersection of human intervention and landscape. Her approach to painting and landscape is rooted in discovery, exploring the intricate relationship between humanity and its surroundings. Aghbashian holds degrees from the Lebanese University of Fine Arts, Central St. Martins College of Art and Design in London, and Birkbeck University of London. Recipient of grants from AGBU NY and Benlian Trust London, she has taught at various institutions and curated at NHM and V&A Museums in London. Aghbashian’s exhibitions span the UK, Germany, Lebanon, and the UAE since 1998, with notable solo exhibitions in Lebanon and Dubai. In 2016, she received the John Moores Prize in the UK.
Location: Marfa Projects, Beirut
Dates: December 13, 2023