Too Vast, Too Near — Negin Mahzoun

Too Vast, too Near

In my work, I am drawn to the paradox that the most obvious, ubiquitous, and important realities are often the hardest to see and discuss. This paradox is at the core of my artistic practice, where I endeavor to uncover the hidden layers of everyday existence—the unspoken truths and invisible forces that shape our lives.

Through the interplay of materials, textures, and forms, I explore how these realities are woven into the fabric of our consciousness, often unnoticed yet ever-present. Linen fabric, a central element in my work, serves as a metaphor for skin—a surface that both reveals and conceals the intricate narratives of personal history, identity, and memory.

The vibrant red threads that punctuate my pieces symbolize the connections, tensions, and emotions that run through our lives, often just beneath the surface. By bringing these threads to light, I aim to expose the realities that are too familiar, too ingrained, or too uncomfortable to acknowledge. By peeling back the layers of the everyday, I seek to challenge perceptions, provoke thought, and encourage deeper engagement with the world around us.

In a society overwhelmed with information, the most profound truths are often overlooked or ignored. My work aims to disrupt this pattern, creating moments of pause and reflection, and inviting viewers to confront the realities they might otherwise overlook. Through the physical layering of materials and the conceptual layering of ideas, I strive to create a palimpsest of meaning that reflects the complexity of human experience.

Ultimately, my practice is an exploration of the unseen, the unspoken, and the unnoticed. It is an invitation to look more closely, to question what we take for granted, and to engage with the deeper, often hidden, realities that shape our lives. In doing so, I hope to contribute to a broader conversation about the power of art to reveal, challenge, and transform.