Bam was a group project in commemoration of the people lost in Bam’s tragic earthquake, winter 2004. The exhibition included installations, videos, photos and live performances, and was held in an abandoned warehouse situated in the Art Garden, next to Iranian Artists’ Forum. Amir Mobed’s installation, consisted of clay, mirror and white daisies, was in the lowest part of the warehouse. This work has many local references. Cracked clay openly reminds us of the destructed houses made of clay and straw, and also alludes to the belief that human being is created from the earth. White flowers symbolize the dear beings lost for ever, and the melting candles illustrate the transformation of life into death.
Candles are sold in the entrance of the exhibition. The money is saved for helping the injured in the earthquake. The visitors leave the lit candles on the clay ground. In this way, the artist involves them in the process of making the piece, by granting its light. Reflecting their faces, the mirrors raise a deep sympathy and well intensify the touching effect of the work.
Mohammad Bagher Ziaei
