Orange County Center for Contemporary Art, OCCCA
Contact: Robin Repp (714-743-9760)
Info.occca@gmail.com
EXHIBITION: April 6 through April 27, 2024
OPENING RECEPTION: April 6, 2024, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
PERSIAN MYTHOLOGY REFERENCED ART EXHIBITION at OCCCA
IN SEARCH OF THE THIRD FEATHER OF SIMURGH
OCCCA ARTIST AND IRANIAN IMMIGRANT SOHEILA SIADATE PRESENTS A POWERFUL ART EXHIBITION HEAVILY INFLUENCED BY THE EXPANSION OF BRUTALITIES THAT HAVE PERSISTED MANY YEARS UNDER THE CURRENT DICTATORIAL GOVERNMENT IN IRAN.
The Simurgh, in Iranian art and mythology is a winged creature in the shape of a bird, gigantic enough to carry off an elephant. Appearing as a peacock with the head of a dog and the claws of a lion – occasionally with a human face, the Simurgh is inherently benevolent and unambiguously female.
A mythological hero, adopted and raised by the Simurgh after being abandoned in infancy by his father, is gifted three golden feathers when, as an adult, he departs the Simurgh for the world. Each feather is magically imbued with the positive power to provide safety, freedom, peace and well-being.
Impacted by the shadow of Iran’s oppressive regime, Siadate’s art alludes to the plight of those held hostage by aesthetically echoing suffering through the harsh corridors of their despair. Yet, amid the despair, a glimmer of hope takes flight, embodied by the legendary, fabled bird, Simurgh. As the symbol of resilience and courage, the Simurgh extends its wings over those imprisoned, offering them solace and a glimpse of liberation. Its mythical presence serves as a beacon of solidarity, reminding viewers the hostages are not forgotten and that the collective spirit of humanity stands with them in their struggle for freedom.
