Hossein Valamanesh, Untitled, 1999, Lavander bush & oil burner, 82 x 80 x 58 cm

Tracing the Shadow: Hossein Valamanesh Recent Works presents a collection of key works spanning the past decade by Iranian-born, Australian artist Hossein Valamanesh. Valamanesh was born in Tehran, Iran in 1949 and emigrated to Australia in 1973. Upon arriving in Australia Valamanesh spent time with a group of artists and musicians visiting several Aboriginal communities, where he first experienced the rich cultural and spiritual connections to the land evident in Aboriginal art.

Hossein Valamanesh, Open book, 1993, Paper, binding, ribbon, 48.5 x 52.0 x 12.0 cm

Over the last twenty years, Valamanesh has established himself as one of Australia’s best known contemporary artists. His work is heavily influenced by his Iranian heritage, invoking the ancient world of Sufi poetry and the mystical whirling dervishes. His work often draws threads between Persian culture and the ancient Indigenous culture and landscape of Australia. Valamanesh’s work often uses natural materials such as branches, flames, leaves, sand, mud, seeds and earth and explores issues of cultural identity, history, memory and the relationship between humanity and the natural world.

Hossein Valamanesh, The lovers circles his own heart, 1993, Silk, electric motor, foam, brass road, steel cable & wood, [aprox] 210 x 210 x 210 cm

Located at Circular Quay west, on the harbour foreshore of Sydney’s business district at the entrance to the historic Rocks precinct, the MCA is close to all forms of public transpost: bus, train and ferry.

The museum entrance is via Circular Quay and disability access is via George Street, The Rocks.

Hossein Valamanesh “Tracing The Shadow”
Date: February 15th – April 28th, 2002
Place: MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art)
Address: 140 George Street, The Rocks, Circular Quay West, Sydney
Tel: +61 (0)2 9252 4033
http://www.mca.com.au