Search
Close this search box.

DALAR ALAHVERDI: BEYOND THE MASS

October 25 – November 30, 2024

Artists’ Reception: Saturday, October 26, 4 – 6 pm

Oakland Art Murmur / First Friday: November 1, 5 – 9 pm

“Beyond the Mass” by Dalar Alahverdi explores the theme of displacement, focusing on forced migration that drives people to flee their homes, cities, or countries. Alahverdi’s work incorporates visual elements of blankets and rugs to symbolize the universal need for a safe space—home.The blankets represent this fundamental need, while the motifs on the rugs reflect her Middle Eastern and Caucasian heritage. Through double-layered pieces, she creates an immersive experience. Initially appearing abstract, these works reveal underlying layers as viewers change their perspective, depicting people leaving their home and facing hardship. This duality highlights the contrast between media portrayals and real-life experiences of displaced people. Alahverdi prompts viewers to pause and re-examine these narratives from different angles, fostering a deeper and more thoughtful understanding of displacement and its profound impact on individuals and communities.

Alahverdi They Left Their Home Behind No. 3 Dalar Alahverdi
Dalar Headshot

Dalar Alahverdi

Dalar Alahverdi is a contemporary visual artist of Armenian descent working and living in California.  Growing up in Iran, as a woman in a minority group, Dalar understood the value of social justice and freedom. Throughout her life, she has been fascinated by discovering the untold stories of people. She continues to explore the overlooked elements of daily life through social, cultural, and political lenses. Her paintings are metaphoric; the first thing you see is not the story she wants to tell.  Her works often represent social justice and human rights.

Dalar received her BA in Painting from Tehran University, and an MA in Painting from Yerevan State Academy of Fine Arts and a second MA in Art Education from California State University, Long Beach. She has participated in numerous exhibitions in museums and galleries abroad and in the United States. Dalar has also collaborated on several scenic designs for the theater in Iran. She currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area and teaches art at the Children’s Museum in Oakland and other studios in the East Bay.

Mercury 20 Gallery

475 25th Street, Oakland CA 94612

Gallery hours: Friday + Saturday: 12-5pm and by appt