Interview with Mehrshad Khalili: A Journey of Resilience and Artistic Exploration

Khalili, now based in Los Angeles, delves into the unique realm of geometry and its manifestations in nature. His works, whether sketched on paper or etched into clapboards, are not mere representations of forms. They are visual poems, a more profound synthesis between the tangible and the spiritual, the seen and the unseen. His art is a journey into the abstract, the untouched, and the deeply felt aspects of human experience.

His journey is a testament to resilience, a narrative shaped significantly by his move to the United States 2016 as a refugee. This was a leap into the uncertain, driven by the aspiration for freedom of expression. His remarkable shift from an aspiring architect to a full-time artist in 2022 reflects his commitment to an inner call. This journey transcends the built environment to explore broader existential themes through his art.

The exhibition of his work, “Kiss My Brain,” at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento, stands out as a pivotal moment, illuminating his path during challenging times. Khalili’s art does not scream the sociopolitical upheavals of our times; instead, it whispers the need for presence, stillness, and being in the moment. He invites viewers to look beyond the immediate and apparent, urging a connection with consciousness’s dream-like, surreal aspects.

At the heart of his thematic exploration is the notion of ‘babyhood’ or ‘The Given Vehicle.’ This concept denotes a primordial state of purity and authenticity, free from societal impositions. Through this lens, Khalili challenges us to reconnect with our earliest, unadulterated perceptions and suggests that such a return might be the antidote to much of modern society’s discontents.

Khalili’s works serve as conduits to these “Flashing Visions,” a term he employs to describe the vivid, often fleeting insights that come to us in moments of clarity or dreams. His artistic expression fosters a dialogue about the essence of human experience, pushing the boundaries of how art interacts with and impacts our lives.

Mehrshad Khalili’s story and art underscore a journey of transformation and discovery. They reflect a deep-seated yearning to understand and articulate the profound connections that bind the human spirit across time and space. His art isn’t just to be viewed; it’s to be experienced, pondered, and felt, echoing his belief in the transformative power of reconnecting with the foundational aspects of our being.

ZH: Mehrshad, can you share more about how your cultural heritage influences your art, especially in themes and symbols?

Growing up in Iran allowed me to engage deeply with Persian art and culture. Persian art’s vibrant characteristics, such as harmony, meticulous attention to detail, and elegant craftsmanship, have left a lasting impression on me. While my work does not contain direct cultural references, the influence of Persian art, particularly architecture and miniature, is undeniably present in my subconscious and creative process.

ZH: How has your artistic style evolved since you began your career, and what factors have influenced this evolution? 

My journey as an artist began at nine, rooted in the traditional Renaissance approach. This involved countless hours mastering classic drawing techniques, from still life to live figure drawing, and experimenting with various mediums. One mentor, Gilda Ehsan, profoundly shaped my artistic foundation.
As I grew older and lived in different countries, the experience of being alone compelled me to introspect and express my unique interpretation of reality. This inner exploration ultimately defined my current drawing style.

ZH: Your works profoundly connect with the geometry found in nature. Can you elaborate on how these patterns inspire your creative process?

Geometry is an underlying principle that shapes our reality, evident in similar patterns across the universe, from microscopic to galactic scales. This sense of oneness and interconnectedness inspires me deeply, and I strive to reflect it in my art. By incorporating these natural geometrical patterns, I aim to convey the intrinsic harmony and unity present in the world.

ZH: How has the experience of cultural displacement from Iran to the United States influenced the themes and emotions in your artwork?

Migration necessitates sacrificing a part of oneself. Throughout the years, art has served as my sole refuge from past attachments. Consequently, all my emotional investment naturally flows into my craft. This profound experience of cultural displacement has deeply influenced the themes and emotions in my artwork, allowing me to channel my feelings of loss, adaptation, and transformation into my creations.

ZH: Your artwork often incorporates intricate human forms and fetal imagery. Could you explain the symbolism behind these elements and how they contribute to your work’s themes of connectivity and origin?

My work primarily revolves around the concept of “Babyhood,” which I call “The Given Vehicle.” All babies look very similar at the start of their journey, sharing the same form, size, and abilities. Over time, this vehicle—the baby—is shaped, labeled, and develops different skills, creating a unique narrative that forms our perception of the self. I may depict my own narrative through my art, but because we all begin as babies, everyone can find a part of themselves in my drawings. This universal starting point underscores themes of connectivity and origin, highlighting our shared beginnings and the individual journeys that follow.

ZH: Your participation in the Crocker Art Museum group show was a milestone. What did this recognition mean to you personally and professionally?

It was the first time in my life that my work was displayed in a public setting. Seeing people’s reactions to my art gave me a significant boost in confidence and planted the seed of ambition within me. This recognition was a pivotal moment, affirming my dedication to my craft and motivating me to pursue further opportunities in the art world.

ZH: What prompted your shift from architecture to focusing solely on your art, and how have both disciplines informed each other in your work?

Art has been a core part of my identity since childhood, while architecture allowed me to stay creative within societal norms. Eventually, I realized I could contribute more through art, leading me to pause my architectural pursuits and fully commit to fine art. Both disciplines influence each other: architecture demands responsibility to clients, whereas art requires genuine self-expression. This interplay enriches my approach to both fields.

ZH: Could you describe the techniques and media you prefer in your art? How do they serve your thematic goals?

My art primarily revolves around line-based techniques, employing ink or scratching surfaces. I find these methods essential for creating immersive experiences for myself and the viewer. The intricate network of intersecting and overlapping lines immerses us in a visual narrative where themes of connectivity and complexity unfold.

ZH: Your art invites viewers to reconnect with their dream-like states. How important are dreams to your creative and thematic explorations?

Dreams serve as my primary source of inspiration. Rather than rationalizing what I see, I aim to convey faithfully the essence of my dreams in my work. Through my art, I aim to remind the audience that the ability to dream is one of the profound qualities of the human experience. This exploration of dream-like states enriches the thematic depth of my creations, inviting viewers to reconnect with their subconscious landscapes.

ZH: You emphasize the importance of being present and still in a fast-paced world. How do you hope your art impacts the viewer’s perception of time and existence?

In the context of my work, consider standing before a piece that required over one thousand hours of dedication to create, offering you a fleeting moment of enjoyment. This juxtaposition underscores the preciousness of each moment—experiencing a lifetime of effort and countless life events distilled into a single encounter with art.

ZH: What has been one of the most significant challenges in your artistic career, and how did you overcome it?

Initially, stability posed the most significant challenge. I persisted by remaining dedicated and genuine in my artistic pursuits, trusting that hard work would eventually yield results—and it did.

ZH: Is there a particular piece of work you consider your breakthrough, and can you describe the story behind its creation?

“Baby’s Dream” was a 3-foot by 3-foot ink drawing I created over six months in 2014 in Turkey. This piece marked a significant turning point for me as it introduced the theme of “Baby” into my work for the first time. Beyond being a mere artwork, it represented a profound internal journey.

ZH: Your works prominently feature black and white; what is the significance of this choice, and do you see yourself exploring more color in the future?

Currently, my focus remains on black and white. While I have occasionally worked with color, primarily in monochromatic tones, there are two main reasons my art tends towards monochrome: Firstly, I am translating the language of drawing into a painting format. Secondly, monochrome enhances the dreamlike quality of my work.

ZH: How do other forms of creative expression, such as music, literature, or film, influence your artwork?

Art is digesting human experiences, and diving into other creative expressions affects what I create. I rarely watch movies but enjoy listening to music, especially opera!

ZH: Can you discuss any current projects you are working on and the inspiration behind them?

I can discuss the technical aspects of my next project. I’m currently focusing on exploring new techniques for my next project. My recent series involved creating large-scale works by delicately scratching clay boards with a sharp knife. For my upcoming series, I’m experimenting with using various tools like sandpaper to introduce dynamic textures that evoke movement and energy. This exploration is inspired by my ongoing quest to push the boundaries of texture and form in my art.

 

In collaboration with ZH media

Interview by Ali Shahrokhi

Special thanks to Shahrzad Pakdaman