“What is not to be found is my desire” series is a response to the verse: “I’m weary of beast and devil, a man is my desire.” They said, “It is not to be found, we too have searched.” He answered, “What is not to be found is my desire.”
In this body of work, further abstraction of the script and the exploration of the shapes and the negative spaces defined by the lines of the text emphasize her search for the unknown. These paintings construct a map; a map of her quest for “what cannot be found.”
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“Mystic Path I”, Acrylic on Fabric, 1’x2′, 2007, private collection
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“Mystic Path II”, Acrylic on Fabric, 1’x2′, 2007
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“Mystic Path III”, cut out Fabric, 1’x2′, 2007
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“Hidden: Map I”, Acrylic on fabric, 2’x 4’, 2007, private collection
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“Hidden: Map III”, Acrylic on canvas, 2’x 4’, 2008, collection of Canada Council Art Bank
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“Hidden: Map IV”, Acrylic on canvas, 2’x 4’, 2008
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“Journey II”, Acrylic on canvas, 4’x4’, 2008, private collection
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“Seeking II”, mixed media on canvas, 18”x 48”, 2008, private collection
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“Seeking III”, Acrylic on fabric, 18”x 48”, 2008, private collection
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“To dance so in the midst of the arena is my desire”, acrylic on canvas, 4’x4’, 2008
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“Poetic Composition #3”, mixed media on Canvas, 2’x2’, 2003, private collection
![Photo of the Desire series by artist Soheila Esfahani]( "soheila_desire_013")
“Alchemist of My Soul I”, Acrylic on Canvas, 4’x 4.5', 2006, private collection
In the “Reed Flute” series of paintings, Soheila explores the mystical concept of longing for the beloved through the meaning of the verses of the poem “Reed Flute’s Song” by Rumi. Through the reed flute’s music and within each note of the reed flute, lies a nostalgic need to return to its source, the reed bed. Each verse of the poem conveys the longing to reunite with the divine source by employing metaphors which explore the pain of separation and promise of reunion.
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“Reed Flute I”, Acrylic on canvas, 3’x3’, 2005, private collection
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"Reed Flute II", Acrylic on Canvas, 3'x3', 2005, private collection
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“Reed Flute III”, Acrylic on canvas, 3’x3’, 2005, private collection
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“Reed Bed I”, Oil on canvas, 3’x3’, 2005, private collection
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“Reed Bed II”, Oil on canvas, 3’x3’, 2006, private collection
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“Longing I”, Acrylic on Canvas 4’x4′, 2005, private collection
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“Longing I”, detail, Acrylic on Canvas 4’x4′, 2005, private collection
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Installation view at Propeller Gallery
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“within the Notes I”, Acrylic on canvas, 8”x10”, 2008, Collection of Accelerator Centre
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“within the Notes II”, Acrylic on canvas, 8”x10”, 2008, Collection of Accelerator Centre
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“within the Notes III”, Acrylic on canvas, 8”x10”, 2008, Collection of Accelerator Centre
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“Hear the Love Fire Tangled”, Acrylic on Canvas, 17” x 23”, 2008, private collection
“Poetic Compositions” series is based on Rumi’s poem which explores the realm of alchemy and strives to convey spiritual transformation of humankind. The alchemical transformation is only realized when one enters their own inner spiritual world and embarks upon a quest to seek divine assistance. The poem starts with “Lovers, oh, lovers, I shall turn your dust into jewels, Players, oh, players, I shall fill your tambourines with gold.”
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"Poetic Composition I", acrylic on canvas, 24in x 24in, 2003, private collection
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"Poetic Composition II", acrylic on canvas, 24in x 24in, 2003, private collection
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"Poetic Composition V", acrylic on canvas, 24in x 24in, 2003, private collection
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"Poetic Composition IX", acrylic on canvas, 24in x 24in, 2003, private collection
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"Poetic Composition VII", acrylic on canvas, 24in x 24in, 2003, private collection
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"Poetic Composition X", acrylic on canvas, 24in x 24in, 2003, private collection
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"Poetic Composition 4", mixed media on canvas, 24in x 24in, 2003, private collection
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"Poetic Composition 9", acrylic & oil on canvas, 24in x 24in, 2003, private collection
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"Poetic Composition 1", acrylic on canvas, 24in x 24in, 2003, private collection
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"Poetic Composition 8", acrylic on canvas, 24in x 24in, 2003, private collection
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"Poetic Composition 6", acrylic & oil on canvas, 24in x 24in, 2003, private collection
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"Poetic Composition 2", acrylic on canvas, 24in x 24in, 2003, private collection
