GOLNAZ JEBELLI
WATER & SHADOW
15–20 May 2023, 10.00–17.00
Private View: Tuesday 16 May, 18.30–20.30
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This selection of paintings are very personal, exploring water often through my own shadow. Water as seen through, pebbles, ripples and shadows reflected on it. Shadows, reflections, and water merge; like an alchemical process. Shadow gives form to the water, something more tangible I could hold on to – to define the shape of water on a static canvas – just before it would ripple away again through my fingers.
The idea of water is viewed inside and outside giving access to an arcane, mystical understanding. My art may feel ‘true’, in how it can move and remind of certain things/truths already existing in our subconsciousness. Water, lakes, the sea all represent the subconscious mind in Jungian psychology. The process of painting this series of work too demanded of me to look at and paint elements from the subconsciousness represented on the surface of the canvases as marks and brushstrokes. These ‘automatic’ marks and brushstrokes hint at something unseen, but equally as things recognizable such as a face, limbs, animals, and sea creatures, and at times may also reminisce of Persian writing and calligraphy; all of which were created through an instinctive process. It attempts to bypass rationalism to access unconscious drives in a search for ancient myths. My characterized systems of marks suggest a non-representational language hinting at signs which exist outside of place and time. These paintings are thus inspired by water, movement, depth darkness gives us and (ultimately about) how light can shine through it.
I generally paint with oils as it is a medium, I feel I can manipulate well to create the depth and vibrancy of colour I desire. Although some of my paintings may look ‘realistic’ or ‘figurative’, looking closely reveals how I see abstraction in the smallest areas. My lines (or brushstrokes) are free to appear anywhere – an attempt of making the unseen visible.
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Influenced by eastern wisdom and the works of Carl Jung on Archetypes and the Shadow, her latest two London solo exhibitions (Nomads: October 2021 and The Inner Child: June 2022) focused on people. She has participated in several group shows (including The Winter Show, Linden Hall Studio, Works on Paper, Green & Stone Gallery.) Her painting Shadow III was shortlisted by the College of Psychic Studies for the art Competition: Inspiration from Dreams and Visions in December 2022.
Golnaz was born in India to Persian parents. She has lived and worked in Sweden, Iran, France and Switzerland prior to moving to London. She studied Fine Arts at Parsons School of Design in Paris and also holds First Class LL.B and LL.M. degrees in Law. She has previously worked in the arts, including at a London based art consultancy and at the auction house, Sotheby’s.
Golnaz mainly works with private clients receiving commissions for children's portraits and collaborates with businesses and fashion brands to create abstract artwork commissions. Her work is in a number of private collections across the UK, Europe, USA and Asia.
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The process of commissioning a portrait starts with meeting and discussing the general mood and theme of what her client is looking for. As part of this initial briefing session, Golnaz is interested to learn which of her portraits they like and why. This would provide an initial discussion on the color theme and mood of the painting. It is typically not required to sit for the portraits. However, Golnaz does prefer to meet the people she paints in order to gain a better understanding of them. This is part of her character study in preparation of the portrait. The paintings can be based on a careful selection of photographs which capture a specific memory or time period special to her client. Her client may wish to share any detail about their memories, particularly in commissioning an Inner Child portrait.
Her oil painting process includes several layers of paint and a protective varnish. Often drying time is needed between each layer. A longer final drying time is required before the painting is ready for varnishing and packaging. Commissions generally take between 2-4 months.
Golnaz is happy to make adjustments based on her client’s feedback during the commission process. Often, she is entrusted with the commission to only reveal the final piece upon completion. The whole process creates a deep bond between her and the person she paints. Golnaz loves to see the reaction of her clients when she first shows the final work.
If you are interested to discuss a commission, please email golnaz.jebelli@gmail.com.
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Works will be available to buy 2 weeks prior to the exhibition.
Please email thegallery@greenandstone.com to enquire about a work