Iranian brings Vision to England Underpass

In the outskirts of Liverpool, a local artist brings reflections and art to an indistinct corridor. Artist Mamily Sheibani viewed the project as an opportunity to bring community art into unimaginable spaces inspired in some ways by his days as a political prisoner in Iran.  He took the time to provide us with profound insights into his artistic approach for this project.

.

.

What is the inspiration for this work?

To explore the inner capability, changeability and hidden potential of the given site for transformation is one of the main criteria in my artworks and I have always tried to exercise it in my commissions.

When I first saw the advert in the art magazine a.n. with a picture representing the site, I was deeply moved by its strong quality, the derelict, dark dungeon-like atmosphere inside the underpass. I realized that this is exactly the site that I could work on with all my heart and transform it to a new being. I believe this approach to the sites I am presented with in my work is rooted in my childhood, and also in my time in prison as a political prisoner; in both cases I was challenging the imposed confinement, to escape.

.

This piece brilliantly introduces more natural light into the underpass. Do you think this ingenious approach may catch on elsewhere in England?

I should first mention that this work was done in Castlefields, Runcorn, near the northern city of Liverpool. It is in fact the developed version of my previous commissions in London and Scotland, and as such, is adaptable, with some modifications, to similar environments. So yes it may catch on.

Wall has a prominent place in my works. I try to challenge the concept of the wall as a barrier. In my work, wall opens up to allow us to enter another world with another space and horizon and with the reflection of the outside world inside it. This gives light and an optimistic element of escape from confinement.

.

I read that this piece allows other artwork to be put inside the frames allowing for an outdoor art gallery in the underpass. Is this something you would ultimately like to see?

My work is a public art and I believe there should be a democratic relationship between the commissioned artist and the public as users of the site. I think it is upon the artist to engage the public with the project from the beginning but without compromising the integrity of the artwork. Although my work fundamentally responds to the aesthetic and functional needs of the site as an underpass, it also allows artworks created on Perspex to be housed, in special arrangements, inside the mirror screens. As the Perspex is virtually transparent, it dissolves in the mirror and one only sees the images which have integrated with the reflections of the mirror and the colours, movements and light coming in and being reflected inside the screens.

.

What kind of feedback are you hearing from locals?

According to the project manager, all the comments from the local residents have been very encouraging and positive. The coverage in the local press and the feedback from the local council have also been very positive.

.

What does it mean to have this opportunity as an Iranian artist?

I don’t really see myself as an ‘Iranian artist’. I think there are so many other things which affect your development as a person and an artist – some even more powerfully – than merely where you come from. Besides, I don’t really have any particular national affiliations. I think I’m just ‘an artist’!

.

© View from Damavand 2010.  All rights reserved.