Re- entrant

March 2022, Toronto

With a focus on traditional abstract points used in secular and religious storytelling, Re-entrant borrows its title from the Anatolia prayer rug key-hole motif, a simple lock shape characterized by weavers to represent a oneness with God. Arranging these familiar forms into contemporary compositions, like puzzle pieces to create new meaning, Akhavan’s practice continues an ongoing exploration into geometry as a means of expression for the various concepts that inhabit her work. 

Inspired by the Shadirvan and Persian fountains, that act both as functional and monuments of worship, Akhavan uses repetition of ornamental form in order to find a sense of harmony through predictability. Furthering her visual language through an advanced use of colour theory, Akhavan has a keen interest in depth, which is achieved by pushing and pulling layers of paint. Griding traditionally used to enlarge an image, and is a technique adopted by the artist to create circular forms (similar to the practice used in tapestry). Circles can become crescents or triangles for instance, in that they contain other shapes.