Fragile, fabulous
Manama : Farah Monfaradi, who is currently based in Geneva, Switzerland, is exhibiting 25 pieces of her artwork at Al Riwaq Art Space in Adliya. The exhibition, titled ‘Fragile,’ will last until November 20.
Monfaradi’s upbringing in Europe and her Middle Eastern heritage contributed deeply in her journey as a well-rounded artist. She grew up in London, and later moved to Geneva, Switzerland, where she worked for the last 16 years.
She has quite an international client base, particularly in countries like Switzerland, the UK and the US.
Monfaradi has exhibited her art in renowned international art fairs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Istanbul. In May this year, she showcased her art at the Centre Culturel du Manoir de Cologny (CCMC), a Geneva-based Art Foundation.
“Secondly, there is a Crocodile Art titled ‘This is Not a Handbag’. The colours are a homage to artist Yves Klein and the Klein tables. The skulls I used are not from crocodiles killed for my art, but which were already dead due to other reasons. I try to honour these magnificent endangered animals through my art.
“Thirdly, there is a peacock wall hanging titled ‘The Miracle’ that is made from peacock feathers. They represent fertility and also are an “eye” of protection. There are approximately 800 sterilised peacock feathers in this art work, each laid at a different angle, so when viewed from a distance, they should start swimming in movement, as if to fertilise or ovulate an egg. Hence, it is the miracle of making a life.”
Monfaradi said she looking to exhibit in other Middle Eastern countries and raise awareness through her art.
Inspiration
Speaking to DT News, Monfaradi elaborated on her journey as an artist in Geneva and the people who touched her life.
“I consider myself fortunate enough to live in Geneva, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I do spend a lot of time outdoors by the Lac Leman lake there and feel its energy. And this is strongly reflected in my art. The art scene in Geneva is very active and I am excited to be a part of it.”
“My art is inspired by my life, my surroundings and my experiences. Becoming a mother to my daughter has been my biggest source of inspiration and passion. I have created a series of “superhero flags”, which was inspired by and dedicated to children with cancer and other childhood illnesses and disabilities. I spent several weeks in Geneva at the children’s oncology unit and saw these kids smile through their pain. They were so inspiring, so I call them all little superheroes.”
Whenever Monfaradi sells her ‘superhero flag’ series, she makes a large donation to the Hopiclowns at the Children’s Oncology Unit in Geneva.
‘Fragile’ exhibition
Explaining her ‘Fragile’ artworks being exhibited in Al Riwaq and the inspirations it took to create these pieces of art, Monfaradi said, “The art was therapeutic and fun at the same time. The creation of each piece was such a pleasure for me, as well as a challenge. Even if you have an idea, it is difficult to turn what is in your head into a physical work of art.”
“In this exhibition, I have three favourites; First one is a piece titled ‘Solace’ which is a loose canvas art, like a parchment. It represents a wall of prayer, and hope. It is a spiritual work, inspired by Surat Al-Inshirah from the Quran, where God promises us that after suffering, there shall be relief; and He repeats it twice in this Sura. I believe at some point in our lives we all suffer. Who has not suffered? This wall of prayer is a reminder that there is hope.
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