ANDREW RAFACZ continues 2018 with Linea Alba, a solo exhibition of new works by New York-based artist Abdolreza Aminlari. The exhibition continues through Saturday, June 2, 2018.

In Linea Alba, Abdolreza Aminlari continues his practice of using sewn thread to create dynamic works on paper. The exhibition’s title, a reference to the white fibrous structure that runs down the midline of the abdomen, speaks to the intricate and intimate process in Aminlari’s complexly structured works. A number of the compositions in the exhibition also hint at the human torso in their size and the presence of a subtle white line running down each of their vertical centers.

This new body of work is a continued exploration of color and light. By sewing vibrant threads directly through hand-perforated paper, the artist methodically layers lines of color. This is Aminlari’s approach to painting; using thread to blend and manipulate colors much like a painter would. The works range from subtle monochromes to contrasting bold colors. Born out of a longing and need to experience a differing longitude and latitude, his studies become a form of escapism. The vibrant resulting compositions hint at skies, waters, and landscapes, pixelated through slight geometries and patterns, shifting with the viewer’s position.

The densely collected layers of thread in the artist’s works also produce slight buckling in their paper foundations. Because the threads manipulate the structure of the paper, there is a sense of vibration and movement in the final product that oscillates with their environment. They become sculptural and are experienced differently depending on the viewer’s placement. They are ultimately three-dimensional works that approximate the dynamic shadowing of more traditional reliefs. Aminlari’s works are studies in color, light and movement that resist easy classification.

ABDOLREZA AMINLARI (Iranian, b. 1979) lives and works in Brooklyn, New York. Aminlari completed the AICAD/New York Studio Residency Program in 2001 and received his B.F.A. from the College for Creative Studies in 2002. Abdolreza Aminlari has had solo exhibitions at Jackie Klempay (Brooklyn, NY), Longhouse Projects (New York, NY), Taymour Grahne (New York, NY), and Cuadro Gallery (Dubai, UAE). Recent group exhibitions include Foley Gallery (New York, NY), Abrons Art Center (New York, NY), and Black Ball Projects (New York, NY). His work is included in numerous private and public collections.  This is his second exhibition with the gallery.

Also on view: “Low Relief Inferno,” a solo exhibition of relief wood carvings by Josh Dihle in Gallery Two.

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Tags: Abdolreza Aminlari, Andrew Rafacz Gallery, Chicago, Linea Alba, near west side