M-ask Project.

The idea of having a collaboratoin between Shahram Entekhabi and Shamsul Bahari and for an exhibition to be held in Vienna materialised after alot of diliberation on the idea based on the Exhibition Title which is In abasence of Iran. The show is to showcase a group of Iranian Artists living abroad as well as within Iran and after viewing my works and discussing the possibilities

we came up with using the the theme of the 'Mask' or M-ask.

Shahram is a man of ideas and it is very fascinating working along his side and see how he comes up with simple ideas and convert them into great ones. A simple print is transformed into a more powerul statement when combined with added elements to the original print and carries a message that was not there before. The idea of adding something to a print was taboo as far as most printmakers goes, however this breakaway from the norm has given me a positive feeling as it makes it more challenging to produce works that carries thought provoking messages.

Shahram is a challenge in that he is pushing me towards making changes in my style of presenting my works and to even leave art as it is and move on to something totally different like interactive video making, socio- cultural communication, presenting art in whole new context outside of the white box. Become an entertainer like a street musician only get others to sing for you and capture them in the act, take your artistic talent on the road again get out of hiding in the back room of the Museum, you dont belong there! Share yorself with the world and find out what the world has to share with you. What is happening to you oh Bahari?! Is this what is called growing old, you can never retire, retirement is for the worker and you are not a worker you are an artist and artist dont work they live life as artists.

So change your mask, dorn on a new and more exciting one than the one you shed what have got to loose? Why let others play the tune and dance the music for you when you are just as capable if not better so get off your duff and let it loose. The key is in your hand, the door is right in front of you and the road beacons you, what is there to look back to? Dont make your kids as excuses not to they will not like you for it just do it and see what lies ahead. All thoses years of wandering and experiencing is only a preperation for this journey yet to come anmd if you fall and die along the way hey! Shit happens and what could be a better way to go than the way you had loved doing what you do best... hit the roasd Jack!!

;;;