Deep Desert Objekt

Parham Ghalamdar

30 May - 6 June, 2024

In the heart of the Iranian desert lies Rig-e Jen, a landscape shrouded in mystique and whispers of the unseen. For centuries, nomads traversed its shifting sands, guided not only by the sun and stars but also by the enigmatic murmurs known as “Weeping-Stones”. These whispers, once believed to be the voices of Djinns, also known as Genies, echoed through the dunes, carrying tales of ancient secrets and unseen forces. Nomads, attuned to the rhythms of nature, listened intently, seeking guidance and protection from these otherworldly beings. Yet as the climate shifts and temperatures rise, the sands of Rig-e Jen no longer hold the moisture that once stirred the voices of the rocks. The once-wet dunes have dried, their whispers silenced by the relentless march of time and climate change.

Born in Tehran, Parham Ghalamdar's influences lie in Iranian myths and the changing natural landscape of the Middle East. For Ghalamader, Iranian mythology hinges on two elements: water and soil. Together these elements foster life, growth, and wisdom. Ancient myths would often tell of Iranian heroes defending the unity of the elements to protect the land from drought. In calling upon these narratives, Ghalamdar heeds signs from the past to warn of the apocalyptic future .

The works presented in Deep Desert Objekt are born of these sacred, deteriorating lands. Black paint from the scorched earth of Iraq finishes the surface of Ghalamdar’s paintings and demon head ceramics. His ceramic vases, oozing with a thick tar like glaze, hold within them dry terrains of thirsty, arid sands. Paintings dripping with glaze, draw the onlooker into the illusory mirage of the ever-expanding desert. From the teachings of Iranian philosopher Reza Negarestani, “Deep Objekt” is a physical entity that reveals its message over time, beyond our current capabilities to fully understand. For Ghalamdar, the desert is a “Deep Objekt”, the full impact of which we have yet to wholly comprehend.

Parham Ghalamdar was recipient of the 2023 4C Group UKNA Bursary. Displayed on the lower ground floor of the gallery, Deep Desert Objekt represents the culmination of his bursary period and the support of this grant. The title of the exhibition draws from Reza Negarestani’s seminars, and builds on the concept ‘Deep Objekt’, coined by Sepideh Majidi, in collaboration with Maure Coise and Reza Negarestani. This exhibition is accompanied by a catalogue, supported by the UKNA 4C group and includes an essay by Dr Derek Horton.

Parham Ghalamdar was born in Tehran, Iran and currently lives and works in Manchester. He obtained his MA degree in painting from the Manchester School of Art in 2021. Recent solo exhibitions include HOME, Manchester (2023) and Granada Foundation Galleries, Manchester (2022). Recent group and duo exhibitions include Pipeline (2023); Castlefield Gallery, Manchester (2023); The Lowry, Salford (2023); The Whitaker Museum, Rosendale (2023); Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester (2022), Peterborough Museum, Peterborough (2021). Ghalamdar’s work is held in the collections of the University Of Salford Art Collection, Government Art Collection and Touchstones Rochdale. Ghalamdar has been a recent recipient of UK New Artists bursary, DYCP Grant, and Innovative Grant.