Fedra, a contemporary artist, explores the universal quest for home. Her paintings are an exploration of diverse cultural influences, intertwining ancient Eastern textile traditions with Western aesthetics to create a dialogue that resonates with anyone who is yearning for a place of belonging.
Fedra living in exile, creates art that explores a universal feeling and the search for a place to belong. She uses traditional symbols of home, like Gabbeh rugs and Suzani textiles, to stay connected to her roots while her abstract, Western-influenced work tells broader stories without borders.
The artist's unique process starts with preparing the canvas or linen, by carefully sanding it and blending various materials, which gives her a flat finish with a textile-like texture; this process is continued from start to finish as she lays layer after layer on. Detailed draft drawing on canvas, linen, is central to her creative process, using acrylic, gouache, and acrylic gouache, and ink.
Her paintings often feature small, childlike figures, miniature dogs, and mythical creatures, often depicted with evocative blank faces in vivid colors. These blank faces, frequently contained within their own geometric spaces, symbolize the perpetual feeling of being in transition at the very heart of the search for home. The vibrant colors conveys an intense, hopeful desire for that sense of belonging, persevering despite unfamiliar surroundings.
The childlike imagery evokes a universal nostalgia for the past, while bright shades embody hope and the promise of new beginnings on this journey. Fedra's art is a journey of searching for home in its broadest sense. She transcends geographical and cultural boundaries not just to connect East and West, but to explore the universal human yearning for a place of belonging. By blending ancient traditions with modern expressions, her work fosters a deep connection among diverse audiences, guiding them through their own personal search for home.
Her multi-year "Missing Homeland Series" includes five parts: "Belonging Interrupted," "Dreaming of Arrival," "Moment of Departure," "Missed Gatherings," and "New Home. New Name." The current exhibition, "Belonging Interrupted,
"The story behind my paintings belongs to all who long for home, and to everyone in search of belonging and hope."
Her work has been exhibited across the United States, including in Seattle, Atlanta, San Diego,Portland, San Francisco, Port Townsend, Brooklyn, New York, Los Angeles, Denver, St. Louis, MO, and Washington D.C.
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Artist Process
Material
Quality is at the core of my work, starting with searching for the right paper, canvas, or linen. Investing significant time in this material search is crucial; I meticulously sample and test everything to ensure the final quality is perfect. For this specific series, I chose extra-fine linen because its sublime texture and beautiful absorbency make it the ideal for my work.
Process
The slow flow is the heart of my process. I prioritize a deep connection with my subject, a mindful pause, I sit quietly to connect with my surroundings allowing colors to come to me, which guides my color choices. I use color as an essential tool for storytelling, as it impacts us in many ways.
Aesthetic
I intentionally cultivate a flat look in my work. This requires a specific process of thinning the paint while preserving its rich pigment, followed by rigorous sanding to ensure absolute flatness. Although my compositions and designs are inspired by Gabbeh rugs, I am the sole creator of all motifs, designs, and colors.