The Art of Unmaking: Keyvan Shovir’s Creative Destruction in Art
Imagine this: mere days before a grand art exhibition opening, the air is thick with anticipation. Invitations have been sent, advertisements are circulating, and the final touches are being added. Then, in a moment that could spell disaster, a ceramic sculpture falls, shattering into countless pieces. This isn’t a catastrophe, however, but the beginning of an artistic transformation.
This is the world of art, where accidents can become a part of the “creative progress.” The realm of art handling is a delicate one, where precision meets unpredictability. What happens when an artwork is damaged accidentally? The consequences can be severe, ranging from job loss for a preparator to complex legal battles.
The Risks and Responsibilities in Art Handling
Art’s vulnerability isn’t just about its physical form. Sometimes, it leads to life-changing events. The tragic case of Richard Serra’s “Sculpture №3” at the Walker Art Center in 1971, which resulted in a fatality, and another incident in 1989 involving a preparator and a Serra sculpture, highlight the inherent dangers and responsibilities in handling art.
Art in Destruction: A Deliberate Choice
But what about when destruction is intentional? Some artists, myself included, see the act of breaking or burning an artwork as a powerful form of expression. It challenges the conventional ideas of art preservation and permanence. This is art that takes on unpredictable forms, not just in creation, but in intentional destruction.
Keyvan Shovir’s Performance Art: A Study of Destruction and Creation
During the lockdown, I, Keyvan Shovir, embarked on a unique performance piece. I tore apart a painting adorned with Iranian calligraphy, crafted with mixed media on canvas. This act wasn’t just about destruction; it was a study in the impact of language and accent, and how they can connect or divide us. The performance, defying traditional norms of presentation, became a rule-free exploration of artistic expression.
The Residue of Art: Beyond Physical Form
In this transformative act, the residue — the remnants of the painting, the scratches on the wall, the utilitarian tools — all became part of the narrative. This is not the end for the artwork. Like energy, it underwent a metamorphosis, transitioning from a physical object to a digital life in video and pixels.
Witness the Evolution of Artistic Expression
Experience this dynamic evolution of artistic expression, where the tangible becomes intangible, in my unique video performance. Watch how art transcends its physical boundaries and enters the realm of digital artistry, challenging conventional views of what art can be.
Join me, Keyvan Shovir, in this journey of artistic exploration and evolution. Discover more about my work and this particular performance at my website Keyvan Shovir’s Official Website and immerse yourself in the world of contemporary Middle Eastern art.
