Presence
Shirazeh Houshiary
British and Iranian, born Iran 1955
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.
Medium
Aquacryl with silverpoint and graphite on canvas
Dimensions
6' 3" x 6' 3" (190.5 x 190.5 cm)
Classification
Department
Credit
Committee on Painting and Sculpture Funds
Accession
2468.2001
Palette
Art Terms
Exhibitions
![[Composition-45-2011]](https://www.moma.org/media/W1siZiIsIjMxMTQwOSJdLFsicCIsImNvbnZlcnQiLCItcmVzaXplIDEwMjR4MTAyNFx1MDAzZSJdXQ.jpg?sha=7a97ae1afe1cbc28)
![[Composition-40-2011]](https://www.moma.org/media/W1siZiIsIjQ5OTEyNSJdLFsicCIsImNvbnZlcnQiLCItcmVzaXplIDEwMjR4MTAyNFx1MDAzZSJdXQ.jpg?sha=6d5093e2c95ebd61)
