Starting in 2023, one US based applicant per season of the International Residency will be awarded a Full Fellowship, which covers all program fees for the season. A jury consisting of NARS staff and select art professionals review applications on the merit of artistic quality and level of need; studio practice; and the potential professional development and benefit from engaging with the NARS community. Only US based artists are eligible to receive the Full Fellowship. Click here to learn more about the International Residency Program, and how to apply.
Ali Kaeini, an Iranian artist, explores themes of displacement and historical identity through his art. His work delves into memories, forgetfulness, war, power, and solitude, drawing inspiration from Iranian history, art, and architecture. Ali creates intricate geometric structures intertwined with organic, spiral forms, departing from traditional techniques in a rebellious manner. His suspended paintings in space create a sense of barrier and wall, each painting acting as an independent landscape and a wall in front of another. The silhouettes of museum objects in his work serve as metaphors for the displaced body.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your practice?
I’m an Iranian artist, born and raised in Tehran. I graduated from VCU in 2023 and now live in Brooklyn, NY. I’m a painter, drawer, mixed media, textile artist, and educator. My work focuses on themes like displacement, memories, forgetfulness, war, power, and solitude.
My dad, a teacher and talented calligrapher, and my grandmother, a tailor and poet who lived with us all my childhood, have deeply influenced my recent artworks. I often think about how they never called themselves artists, but their work shapes how I see life and make art today.
Tehran is a big inspiration for me too, especially its streets. The city’s architecture -from the light-yellow bricks of old Tehran to the modern styles of the 60s and 70s and newer designs, shows up in my paintings.
In my work, I use many materials -different kinds of fabrics, found objects, old paintings, acrylics, dyes, woodblock prints, calligraphy ink, and spray paint.
Are there certain routines you developed over your time at NARS? In the studio, or in the neighborhood, for example?
I quickly got into a routine of working in the mornings, which was my most productive time in the studio.
What was a moment at NARS that stood out to you?
During the first ASAP meeting, we walked to a park by the water in Sunset Park. Chatting with everyone and enjoying the beautiful view of Manhattan made it a special memory.
How do you feel the residency program and particularly the fellowship influenced your practice? How will you remember your season at NARS moving forward as an artist?
Meeting other artists and making connections was a highlight. Some studio visits could lead to future opportunities. The vibrant neighborhood also helped me invite other artists for visits.
NARS is a great residency for artists ready to grow and get attention in the NYC art scene. It offers valuable professional practice opportunities.
Tell us more about your piece, Untitled (The Wall and Flowers), displayed at the International Residency Exhibition Maybe-map(ping) dissonance. What was it like working on it in the studio, and how did you and the curatorial fellow connect the piece to the concept of the exhibition?
Recycling is a big part of my process. For Untitled (The Wall and Flowers), I tore apart an old triptych and reused it to create a new piece. Collage is central to my art, both on the surface of paintings and by layering pieces of canvas on gallery walls.
My work included two larger pieces that were surrounded by random smaller pieces with calligraphy-like organic forms.The curatorial fellow and I talked about the gallery’s limited wall space, and I decided to hang the piece higher than eye level. This installation turned the piece into a kind of window or flag, making it feel less accessible, tied into the work’s themes of memory and time, connecting well with the exhibition’s concept.
Would you like to share anything with the incoming residency fellows?
Other than making art, explore the neighborhood, and take advantage of studio visits. Invite people to your studio -it’s a great opportunity, especially if you’re not from NYC. Have some finished work ready to show, as studio visits can lead to valuable connections.
