Iraqi-American artist Vian Sora is set to unveil her latest exhibition, “House of Pearls,” at The Third Line, opening on October 31 and running until December 5. This captivating collection utilizes pearls as a powerful metaphor, symbolizing the quest for stability and the structural integrity essential for life’s regeneration, as described by the gallery.
Sora’s work delves into the cyclical nature of existence, examining the contrasting solid and fluid states inherent in nature, from which pearls are formed. This thematic exploration reflects her personal journey; Sora left Baghdad following the US invasion of Iraq, and through her art, she articulates her experiences as an immigrant and war survivor. The exhibition encapsulates the uncertainties and shifting boundaries that define existence, highlighting the physical, mental, and emotional toll that cross-cultural experiences can impose.
In her creative process, Sora starts with a limited palette of just three colors, gradually expanding her artwork to encompass up to 20 shades. Her pieces portray imagined landscapes and seas, often embellished with distorted Arabic calligraphy. These visual elements aim to evoke the vulnerability and resilience of displaced individuals. Sora believes that abstraction enables her to explore the subconscious in ways that traditional illustration cannot achieve.
Through “House of Pearls,” Sora invites viewers to engage with the complex interplay between beauty and hardship, prompting reflections on the human condition in a world marked by displacement and transformation. This exhibition promises to be a profound experience, encouraging contemplation on the resilience of life amidst chaos.