ARTISTS
Leila Zelli: Un chant peut traverser l'oc茅an / A Chant Can Cross the Ocean
"The series Un chant peut traverser l'oc茅an (2022-2023) began with exploratory work in drawing and printmaking and with an artistic background that spans two worlds: a classical training in drawing learned as a child in Iran and a political practice of the image from a master's degree in visual and media arts at UQ脌M.
It was at a time when I was closely watching the images and videos of the Iranian people's uprising on my phone screen and was committed to participating in the worldwide marches and rallies for the Iranian Revolution ''woman, life, freedom'' here in Montreal. At a time when hope was at the heart of our thoughts, when the dream of freedom was lifting us when youth was inspiring us, a collective flight was about to become a reality, fully alive.
Something pierced my heart, stung me, threw me to the ground, lifted me, and pushed me forward. I observed the emotion I was experiencing, meditated and fought as I drew, instantly, without sketching, between control and letting go, in a rush and singing epic songs to keep the rhythm.
Birds in flight and bird-women in revolt encouraged me to think about how to become a bird myself. So, I continued my quest for freedom in my own way. A process that has enabled me to go beyond my limits, to practice freedom and become more courageous.
I would like to thank the Claudine and Stephen Bronfman Foundation for their support, the support and mentorship of Galerie Hugues Charbonneau and the generosity of Jad and Roula Shimaly, thanks to whom I created the entire series at the Belgo studio, where I was in the wonderful company of my friends Allie Gattor, Micha毛lle Sergile, Carl-Philippe Simonise and Florence Viau, and Jean-Philippe Thibault as always." -LZ
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"The series Un chant peut traverser l'oc茅an (2022-2023) began with exploratory work in drawing and printmaking and with an artistic background that spans two worlds: a classical training in drawing learned as a child in Iran and a political practice of the image from a master's degree in visual and media arts at UQ脌M.
It was at a time when I was closely watching the images and videos of the Iranian people's uprising on my phone screen and was committed to participating in the worldwide marches and rallies for the Iranian Revolution ''woman, life, freedom'' here in Montreal. At a time when hope was at the heart of our thoughts, when the dream of freedom was lifting us when youth was inspiring us, a collective flight was about to become a reality, fully alive.
Something pierced my heart, stung me, threw me to the ground, lifted me, and pushed me forward. I observed the emotion I was experiencing, meditated and fought as I drew, instantly, without sketching, between control and letting go, in a rush and singing epic songs to keep the rhythm.
Birds in flight and bird-women in revolt encouraged me to think about how to become a bird myself. So, I continued my quest for freedom in my own way. A process that has enabled me to go beyond my limits, to practice freedom and become more courageous.
I would like to thank the Claudine and Stephen Bronfman Foundation for their support, the support and mentorship of Galerie Hugues Charbonneau and the generosity of Jad and Roula Shimaly, thanks to whom I created the entire series at the Belgo studio, where I was in the wonderful company of my friends Allie Gattor, Micha毛lle Sergile, Carl-Philippe Simonise and Florence Viau, and Jean-Philippe Thibault as always." -LZ
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