Presence

Shirazeh Houshiary

2000

A large, nearly white painting made with Aquacryl paint, silverpoint, and graphite on canvas in which Houshiary records a barely visible horizontal trace to evoke a quiet, meditative presence.

You first perceive a broad pale field interrupted near the upper third by a whisper-thin, smoky line that seems to shimmer, recede, and reveal delicate metallic and graphite textures as you move closer.

By reducing image to a faint trace, the work connects minimalist surface exploration with drawing and mystical traditions, asking viewers to slow down and reconsider perception, silence, and threshold.

Palette

Art Terms

Monochrome Acrylic paint Graphite Canvas Painting Minimalism Abstraction

Exhibitions

Recent Acquisitions: South Asian Painting

1964

Persian Fresco Painting

1932

Eileen Gray

1980

Sophie Taeuber-Arp

1981