Presence of an Absence

Samira Hodaei

Samira Hodaei is now living between Berlin and Tehran. She has been focusing on examining the huge gap between the golden dream of oil and the reality of the corruption it brings. In her work, Samira recreates the luncheon cloth that Iranian grandmothers spread with good wishes and blessings for their families. With the help of the same women and with a similar approach to Majid, yet using more flexible materials, she sews, layer by layer, cashmere luncheon cloths and sacks of rice, dates boxes, and then paints and covers them in her style. Between these layers, she conceals her childhood memories and attachments from the eyes of the audience. She tries to get through her complex and layered narrative, both to alleviate her sense of nostalgia, and to create a therapeutic experience.

Samira Hodaei, untitled, from “Presence of an Absence” series, mixed media, (oil workers used gloves & tar on rice sacks), 100 x 150.5 cm, unique edition, 2021
Samira Hodaei, untitled, from “Presence of an Absence” series, mixed media, (oil workers used gloves & tar on rice sacks), 102 x 121.5 cm, unique edition, 2021
Samira Hodaei, untitled, from “Presence of an Absence” series, installation, mixed media, (oil workers used gloves, chains & hooks), variable dimensions, unique edition, 2021
Artissima 2021, installation View
Artissima 2021, installation View
Artissima 2021, installation View
Artissima 2021, installation View
Artissima 2021, installation View
Artissima 2021, installation View
Artissima 2021, installation View
Artissima 2021, installation View