Wherever one goes these days, there is talk that art has become personal, that creating art is extravagant, and that art experts are placed on a pedestal. “Works of art are the most thematic expression of people’s institutional attitudes and perceptions.” For these reasons, an artist cannot travel a path in their own personal world. “Taste … cannot withstand these profound effects, even where there is deep emotion and turmoil … taste cannot last.”
And most importantly, to be an expert regarding one’s own work, “has the shortcomings and remains within the scope of recognizing external, technical, historical and similar aspects.” These artists do not have the sense or understanding of the true nature of a work of art.
The paintings of BijanNemati Sharif have the virtue of being neither personal, nor extravagant and not exclusive to any expert critique. One could say that these paintings are not pleasant, that they are bitter and so on… however, my friends, let us not forget that art for entertainment, art to decorate our environment, and art that strives to bless our lives with pleasantness; this art is neither independent nor free, and cannot be seen as art.
Nemat Lalei
June 10, 2002
