Identity Mixed Media Sculpture

This mixed media sculpture captures a passionate affair, illustrating how desire can distort love into a self-serving pursuit

about this mixed media sculpture

Identity mixed media sculpture from the "mania" series by Sara Rahanjam intricately weaves a narrative of love, drawing deep inspiration from Iranian painting and literature, particularly the symbolic "Gol o Morgh" motifs, the flower and bird, representing the lover and the beloved.

Unlike traditional depictions of pure and elevated love, this mixed media sculpture delves into a darker interpretation of love, one tainted by materialism and base desires. The beloved is portrayed as an instrument of indulgence, and the love between the flower and bird morphs into a self-centered struggle.

Artistic Concept

This mixed media sculpture portrays love as a complex and conflicted emotion. The once spiritual and transcendent connection between lovers is replaced by a more earthly and sensual desire, where both the lover and the beloved pursue their individual longings, even as they remain superficially connected.

Symbolism of the Gol o Morgh Motifs

• Gol o Morgh (Flower and Bird): Traditionally symbols of pure love, the motifs in this sculpture instead depict the decay of affection into selfish pursuits. The bird, representing the lover, no longer sacrifices for the flower (the beloved), and the relationship becomes a constant battle driven by materialistic desires.
• Tainted Love: This motif diverges from the ideals of sacrifice, unconditional affection, and kindness, showcasing a fatal love, one that spirals into conflict rather than intimacy. Beneath the surface allure, there lies a dangerous dynamic where love becomes a self-serving pursuit.

Cultural and Emotional Depth

This mixed media sculpture invites viewers to contemplate the multifaceted nature of love and serves as a poignant reminder of the perilous consequences that arise when love is reduced to mere personal satisfaction, without the selflessness and genuine connection that are hallmarks of true affection.

Craftsmanship and Materials

• Bronze and Fiberglass Construction: The lips, sculpted in fiberglass, embody the fragility and weightlessness of earthly desires, while the bronze structure, adding durability and weight, symbolizes the conflict inherent in materialistic love.
• Intricate Detailing: While the surface of the sculpture may exude beauty and charm, its underlying message of disillusionment in love resonates deeply through the juxtaposition of the materials and the symbolic motifs.

Care and Maintenance 

• Dust Regularly: Use a soft, dry cloth to dust both the bronze elements and the fiberglass surface to prevent buildup.
• Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Clean with mild soap and water if necessary, especially on the fiberglass parts. Dry immediately to avoid damage.
• Protect the Bronze: Apply a specialized bronze wax periodically to maintain its finish.
• Handle with Care: The weight distribution between the fiberglass and bronze should be considered when moving the sculpture.

collection

View her Dubai collection of available artworks here 

Copyright

This mixed media sculpture is one of a kind original therefore, all copyrights and reproduction rights are reserved by the artist.