Morteza Darehbaghi
Timeless Blossoms
27 JAN 2025
Leila Heller Gallery is delighted to announce the upcoming solo exhibition by Morteza Darehbaghi, titled 'Timeless Blossoms’ opening on 30th January, 2025.
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‘Timeless Blossoms’ explores the intersection of tradition and modernity through intricate works inspired by the enduring beauty and cultural symbolism of blossoms in art and nature. Throughout history, nature has been a profound source of inspiration, shaping artistic expression across cultures. Persian carpets exemplify this influence, transforming the beauty of gardens and delicate blossoms into intricate designs. These motifs are deeply woven into Iranian craftsmanship, creating timeless works that connect the human spirit with the natural world.
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Drawing inspiration from centuries-old artistic traditions, Morteza Darehbaghi masterfully reinterprets classical Persian motifs such as Persian lacquer painting and the iconic Gol-o-Morgh (flower and bird) designs through contemporary techniques. His work echoes the timeless elegance of Persian art while infusing it with dynamic, modern energy.
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Much like the ever-changing seasons in which flowers bloom, Timeless Blossoms reflects on how our understanding of the past continuously evolves, blossoming into new and innovative forms. Darehbaghi’s pieces delicately balance the enduring spirit of classical art with the vibrant expression of contemporary creativity, fostering a dialogue between heritage and modernity.
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Timeless Blossoms reimagines Persian artistry while offering a modern reflection on the timeless bond between nature, culture, and the human experience.
Melis Buyruk
Four Birds and One Soul
30 JAN - 20 MAR 2025
Leila Heller Gallery is delighted to announce the upcoming solo exhibition by Melis Buyruk, titled 'Four Birds and One Soul’ opening on 30th January, 2025.
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‘Four Birds and One Soul’, delves into the complex interplay between the natural world and the human spirit, drawing on both Melis Buyruk’s mastery of porcelain and the timeless teachings of Rumi’s Masnavi.
The collection is inspired by the story of the four birds from the fifth book of the Masnavi. Each bird represents a different aspect of the human condition, Rooster- lust, Goose- greed, Crow- materialism, and Peacock- pride. These are the metaphorical birds that humans nurture within their soul symbolizing the inner struggles and ego that hinder personal liberation. Through Melis’s unique porcelain sculptures, Buyruk transforms these symbolic concepts into tangible forms. Her works juxtapose the fragility and strength of porcelain to echo the tension between human limitations and the potential for transcendence.
Melis is known for her intricate and otherworldly creations, she has long explored the themes of harmony and individuality in nature. This new body of work, however, takes a more introspective turn, reflecting on the barriers that humans create within themselves.
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Four Birds and One Soul is a profound exploration of the relationship between the natural world and the human spirit, serving as both a testament to Melis’s exceptional artistic skill and an invitation to embark on a journey of introspection. Through her delicate yet powerful forms, Four Birds and One Soul inspires audiences to confront their inner limitations and consider the possibilities of self-liberation and transformation.
Chihuly
Selections From Four Decades of Iconic Work
30 JAN - 20 MAR 2025
Leila Heller Gallery is delighted to announce the exhibition by internationally renowned artist Dale Chihuly in the United Arab Emirates; Chihuly: Selections From Four Decades of Iconic Work, opening the 30th of January 2025.
Chihuly: Selections From Four Decades of Iconic Work, showcases works spanning nearly a 40-year period from 1985–2023 and celebrates both the monumental installations and more discrete works for which Chihuly is known. The collection features one large-scale installation and over 50 sculptures in glass, as well as two-dimensional works, connecting various series and decades. Synthesizing ideas and practices of the Studio Glass Movement in North America as well as the traditions of the Venetian Ateliers, Chihuly’s ambitious six-decade long career has set the bar for glass in contemporary art and redefi ned the vernacular of abstraction.
From his iconic Baskets and delicate Seaforms, to the colorful Macchia, dynamic Soft Cylinders, and mesmerizing Persians, each piece in this exhibition embodies Chihuly’s innovative techniques, bold use of color, and captivating forms.
A beacon within the exhibition, Chihuly’s Tower and Persian Wall installations are monumental glass sculptures that redefine the spaces in which they are placed. Whether kaleidoscopic marvels or monochromatic wonders, they cast a spellbinding dance of light and shadow, reshaping environments with their luminous presence.
Also showcased are Chihuly's Drawings and Light Drawings, providing a window into the genesis of his creations. These two-dimensional marvels vividly translate his visionary spirit into a riot of colors and dynamic forms, weaving a tapestry of inspiration.
Chihuly's creations continue to enrapture audiences worldwide, and this presentation of works stands as a testament to his lifelong pursuit of pushing the boundaries of glass artistry. Chihuly: Selections From Four Decades of Iconic Work is a promise of inspiration, enchantment, and endless wonder.
About Leila Heller Gallery
In 2015, Leila Heller opened the Leila Heller Gallery in Dubai, its first international location in Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue. At 16,500 square feet and 32-foot ceilings, it is a state-of-the-art gallery that features three exhibition spaces, making it the largest gallery in the Middle East. Showcasing leading regional and international artists, many of whom will be presenting their work in the Middle East for the first time, the gallery is dedicated to supporting the evolving practice of established artists. The gallery has strong innovative curatorial and educational programs with an emphasis on promoting a dialogue between Western and Middle Eastern artists.
(Source: http://www.leilahellergallery.com/about)
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday, 11 am – 7 pm
Address: Leila Heller Gallery, I-87, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz 1 - Dubai