She Sat Where The Light Awaited

Shabnam Jannesari

Sidney Street | Shabnam Jannesari | Oil on Canvas | 2021

On View September 4th

Main Gallery

Influenced by the rich visual culture of her birthplace, Isfahan, Iran, Jannesari’s paintings incorporate flat patterns and bold forms to explore abstraction, memory, and identity. Her highly saturated palette draws from childhood memories, such as the colorful carpet in her grandparent’s home in Iran. These carpets, symbolic of paradise, inspire a dreamlike world where past and present merge. In her paintings, Jannesari transforms her closest friends and family into figures in surreal and hopeful visions of an alternate reality, expressing deeply personal stories that are also relatable to women who have been censored, sexualized, or oppressed by patriarchal social structures.

Meet The Artist

Featured
Gallery Night
Sep 19
Gallery Night

Kick off your weekend with a night of artistry and camaraderie at all of your favorite galleries! Join us at the Erie Art Museum anytime between 5–10 PM for an evening full of new exhibitions, live music, and a special sneak peek of Masquerade at the Museum. Enjoy hoop dancing from Anna Haller, sleight of hand delights from Jorge Luis Cruz Molina, and a make-your-own masquerade mask station. Meet featured artist Shabnam Jannesari, who will be on-site to share insights into her work and creative process. Enjoy the vibrant sounds of the Inspirado Trio as they bring reggae rhythms to the Museum.

Artist Talk: Shabnam Jannesari
Sep 20
Artist Talk: Shabnam Jannesari

Stop in the Museum on Saturday, September 20th at 2 pm for a talk with upcoming exhibiting artist, Shabnam. Influenced by the rich visual culture of her birthplace, Isfahan, Iran, Jannesari’s paintings incorporate flat patterns and bold forms to explore abstraction, memory, and identity. Included with Museum admission, free for members.