“My work is a visual inquiry into the relationship between structure and entropy, permanence and transience, and the unseen forces that shape our reality.”
A Fusion of Calligraphy and Abstraction
Sasan Nasernia’s artistic vision is a compelling synthesis of calligraphy, abstraction, and architectural elements. His work reinvents traditional forms, merging historical influences with a contemporary approach that challenges the boundaries of perception. By intertwining intricate lettering with dynamic compositions, he creates visual landscapes where structure and entropy coexist. His exploration extends beyond aesthetic appeal, delving into philosophical questions that shape his evolving artistic narrative.
Themes of metaphysics, time, and perception form the foundation of his work, influenced by Neoplatonism, Gnosticism, and broader philosophical inquiries. He examines the duality between permanence and transience, illustrating the unseen forces that govern human existence. Each piece serves as a visual inquiry, questioning how structure emerges from chaos and how meaning is constructed and deconstructed over time. His calligraphic gestures, often layered and fragmented, reflect this tension, offering viewers a space for contemplation.
The architectural influence in his work is unmistakable. Persian design principles, with their precise geometry and fluid symmetry, find a contemporary counterpart in his compositions. Yet, rather than adhering to strict order, his work embraces a dynamic interplay between precision and spontaneity. This juxtaposition invites viewers to engage with his pieces on multiple levels, navigating the space between familiarity and abstraction, between historical continuity and modern disruption.
Sasan Nasernia: Crafting a Workspace for Creativity
The physical environment in which an artist works plays a crucial role in shaping the creative process, and for Nasernia, maintaining a sense of openness and focus is essential. His studio is designed to foster both contemplation and productivity, emphasizing good lighting, spaciousness, and minimal distractions. He thrives in an atmosphere that allows ideas to flow freely, striking a balance between structured work sessions and organic bursts of inspiration.
Sound, or the intentional absence of it, is another integral aspect of his process. Whether working in silence, immersing himself in ambient music, or absorbing long audiobooks and podcasts, he curates an auditory backdrop that complements his creative rhythm. This sensory approach not only enhances his concentration but also deepens his engagement with the intellectual themes that underpin his work. When focus wavers, he steps away, returning with fresh eyes—an approach that reinforces his commitment to thoughtful execution rather than forced momentum.
Avoiding distractions is not just about external conditions but also about maintaining an internal discipline. Nasernia structures his time deliberately, ensuring that each work period is purposeful. This methodical approach allows him to sustain a creative flow while remaining receptive to spontaneous inspiration. By cultivating an environment that nurtures both technical rigor and philosophical inquiry, he ensures that his artistic process remains both disciplined and expansive.
Echoes of Influence: Philosophers, Architects, and Visionaries
Nasernia’s artistic influences span a broad spectrum, from the refined precision of classical Islamic calligraphy to the expressive depth of Western abstractionists. His work reflects a dialogue between historical craftsmanship and modern experimentation, drawing from traditions that emphasize both order and fluidity. The balance found in Persian architecture informs his compositions, while the bold materiality of artists like Anselm Kiefer, Pierre Soulages, and Cy Twombly resonates with his approach to texture and gesture.
Beyond visual art, philosophical thought deeply informs his creative philosophy. The ideas of Plato and Jung offer a theoretical framework for his exploration of perception and reality, while the mysticism of Ibn Arabi and Rumi provides a spiritual dimension. These intellectual currents shape his thematic concerns, leading him to investigate the nature of existence, the interplay of visible and invisible forces, and the ways in which language itself constructs meaning.
His admiration for Hieronymus Bosch’s The Garden of Earthly Delights reveals another facet of his artistic curiosity—one that appreciates intricate storytelling and surreal complexity. Bosch’s masterpiece, with its overwhelming detail and enigmatic symbolism, serves as a touchstone for Nasernia’s own inquiries into layered narratives and hidden meanings. Just as Bosch created a universe teeming with allegory and mystery, Nasernia’s work invites viewers to decipher their own interpretations, navigating between structure and abstraction.
Sasan Nasernia: Pushing the Boundaries of Medium and Form
The choice of medium is never incidental in Nasernia’s practice; instead, it evolves in response to the conceptual and formal needs of each piece. Acrylic on canvas remains his primary medium, but his exploration extends far beyond conventional techniques. By manipulating the physicality of the canvas—sculpting, pulling apart, and even shredding—he challenges traditional notions of painting and surface. This experimental approach underscores his interest in the fluid relationship between destruction and creation.
His artistic practice is not confined to painting alone. Sculpture, installation, and digital media have all become avenues for expanding his visual language, offering new ways to engage with his ongoing themes. Calligraphy remains the foundation of his work, yet it continuously adapts and transforms across different formats. This versatility reflects his broader inquiry into the nature of perception, inviting viewers to experience language and form in unexpected ways.
Among his most ambitious aspirations is a large-scale installation where calligraphy interacts dynamically with light and space. Whether through projection mapping or kinetic elements, he envisions an immersive experience that shifts with the viewer’s movement. This project aligns with his ongoing fascination with perception, creating an environment where hidden layers of meaning reveal themselves over time. By merging traditional calligraphic art with contemporary technology, Nasernia continues to push the boundaries of what his medium can achieve.
