PowerPoint
An exhibition of political artworks by Mohammed Djazmi and Deanna Tyson
5 – 13 November 2011
Private View
Saturday 5 November 6-8pm
Reading by Helen Cartwright at 6:30pm
Two Cambridge artists are showing their solidarity with the protesters outside St. Paul’s and in cities across the world through art in PowerPoint.
These protesters, a disparate group of veteran campaigners, leftists, environmentalists and students are commenting on the excesses of capitalistism, including the exploitation and violation of poor the world over.
‘May You Live in Interesting Times’ originally a Chinese curse, but used in a number of cases, especially Robert Kennedy in South Africa 1966 and became part of the political lexicon. These are indeed interesting times, politically.
Mohammed Djazmi’s incredible drawings and etchings of dark, somewhat stunted figures on large canvasses are based on social and political themes, mainly portraying the general effects of immoral politics on society.
This first occurred to him during the 1960s when, as a student in Iran, he realised that social freedom was not at all the same as political freedom. While we could do what we wanted, we could not say what we thought. By the late 1970s, Iran had gradually become a heavily-controlled society, and as a member of that society, Mohammed’s work has inevitably reflected this, leading to a generally pessimistic tone which was informed by what he saw and experienced.
For him immoral politics has a profound effect on the society in which it exists and the people who live therein.
Artist’s statement about the Rise and Fall series of six etchings:
“Rise and Fall is a series of etchings that focuses on a non-specific group of corrupt people who could be politicians, religious fanatics, businessmen or anyone whose behaviour and activities cause social suffering. I wanted to create a storyboard effect, showing the progression of the group from assembly to destruction. As the corruption of the group’s members devours them from within, they are depicted less and less clearly until, by the end, they disintegrate with the group. My starting point was the representation of the group's ideology and philosophy - which, in this case, is what I believe is one of the causes of social suffering - with background which is symbolised by a dark, poor quality fabric. Secondly, I wanted to express my opinion that the pain which these people cause makes them essentially ugly, regardless of their superficial appearance or how kind they may be towards their friends and family. “
Deanna Tyson has a long history of political comment through her work, for example cartoons ‘drawn’ with a sewing machine on fabrics and silks. She brings her feelings and political opinions to her work in silk.
There are more ways of expressing oneself than traditional drawing, painting and sculpture, and Deanna actually draws with a sewing machine! A freelance painter, textile artist and tutor, she also gives talks and demonstrations throughout the UK. She exhibits both nationally and internationally and her textile works are on display in galleries throughout the UK. She has received numerous awards for her thought-provoking creations. In May 2006 Deanna was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
Deanna works mainly to commission, exporting artwork to Dubai, Germany, India, The Netherlands, Poland, Trinidad and the United States.
“I delight in working with clients to create unique pieces, be it wall hangings, banners, waistcoats or kimono in silks and calico cotton. I love the challenge of expressing a client’s desires in my own personal style.”
Williams Art fully supports the freedom of artists to express their beliefs and opinions without censorship, even if they are not necessarily those of the gallery.