Listen to the Tale of the Reed No.3

1982
Houshiary, Shirazeh
Listen to the Tale of the Reed No. 3 is one of a group of six works made from wood, plaster, clay and straw of 1982-83. The work connects to a loose narrative or dramatic intention which draws inspiration from Persian poetry, in particular Sufism. Houshiary works with a wide range of materials: copper, zinc, steel, brass, tin, mud and straw. Frequently she makes reference to earth, fire, wind and water and attempts to convey the idea of himma or ‘energy’ in her sculpture. Shirazeh Houshiary has often said her intention is to ''go beyond the ordinariness of everyday objects, to raise our perceptions to a higher level of sensitivity. This entails the recognition firstly that our ordinary experience is built up of fragments and echoes''.
  • Artwork Details: 110.5 x 86 x 130cm
  • Edition:
  • Material description: clay and straw on wood
  • Credit line: © the artist
  • Theme: Abstract
  • Medium:
  • Accession number: AC 5133

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