Ali Fathollahi, Paper Glasses, 2020, video

What is mask?

A covering for all or part of the face, worn as a disguise, or to amuse or terrify other people. A covering made of fiber or gauze and fitting over the nose and mouth to protect against dust or air pollutants, or made of sterile gauze and worn to prevent infection of the wearer or (in surgery) of the patient.

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Ali Fathollahi was born in 1979 in Tehran-Iran. He holds a Master of Fine Arts from University of Nevada, Las Vegas (2019), a Master of Fine Arts in Illustration/Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Arts from Azad University of Art and Architecture in Tehran/Iran (2006).

He has participated in over 55 group and solo exhibitions in United States, Turkey and Iran, during 20 years of his career. In his earlier works involving assemblage and sculptures, images and objects become new characters and are embedded in a new space through adding layers of drawing and re-painting. Besides mentioned mediums, Fathollahi has explored connection between human figure and the surrounding space through various other mediums, such as installation and performance.

During the past couple of years, new media and 3-dimensional works have been the dominant focus of Fathollahi’s works. In his most recent projects, video, light, motion, reflection, shadow, noise and smell are added elements that challenge the viewers’ perception about psychological, sociological, cultural and political matters. He also directs and performs in performances pursuing similar concepts.

Fathollahi has 12 years of experience in teaching art related topics. Him and his wife, Nanda Sharif-pour founded and ran an educational center for visual arts and design, The Paper Wings, in Tehran, in 2004. The center continued its activities for years after the couple left Iran.

Instagram: @ali_fathollahiali