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Spectators

artwork

Last updated: 20 Dec 2024

Subjects

Art Genres > Landscape
Art Genres > Genre (scenes of everyday life)

Tags

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Artist Information

Title of Artwork

Spectators

Year of Creation

March 1990

Dimension

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Tools

Brush and paper

Medium

Watercolour

Genre

Landscape

Style

Impressionism

Brief Description

This was done when Ziba asked me to. I have dedicated it to her. It reminds her of Shiraz Hafezieh. Actually is is a Mexican plaza from a watercolour book.

Location Depicted

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Other Images

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Caption

1. Medium: Watercolor on paper

2. Shapes and objects:

- A large, central gazebo or bandstand with a distinctive domed roof

- The gazebo has ornate pillars and a decorative railing around its base

- Steps leading up to the gazebo platform

- Several tall trees surrounding the gazebo, some with pink blossoms

- Smaller trees or bushes creating a lush, garden-like setting

- At least two park benches in the foreground, occupied by seated figures

- Multiple small human figures near and inside the gazebo

- Lamp posts visible on either side of the scene, adding to the park atmosphere

- Paved pathways leading to and around the gazebo

- Subtle suggestions of flower beds or landscaped areas

- Dappled light effects on the ground, suggesting sunlight filtering through leaves

3. Colours:

- Golden yellow and light brown for the gazebo structure

- Various shades of green for the trees and vegetation, from light lime to deep forest green

- Pink and white touches for tree blossoms

- Warm browns and tans for the pathways

- Muted tones of brown, pink, and white for the human figures

- Hints of blue in the background, suggesting sky peeking through the foliage

- Soft purple and blue shadows adding depth to the scene

4. Narrative: This painting captures a vibrant scene in a public park or garden, centered around a grand gazebo. The lush vegetation and blooming trees suggest late spring or early summer. The presence of people on benches and near the gazebo indicates a popular gathering place, perhaps on a pleasant afternoon or evening. The ornate architecture of the gazebo contrasts beautifully with the natural elements, creating a harmonious blend of man-made and natural beauty. The scene evokes a sense of community, leisure, and the enjoyment of public spaces. There's a nostalgic quality to the image, reminiscent of turn-of-the-century park scenes.

5. Original Artist: While this is an original work by Mehrdad Fahimi (as evidenced by the signature visible in the bottom right corner), the style and subject matter are strongly reminiscent of the park scenes painted by French Post-Impressionist artist Maurice Prendergast. Prendergast was known for his colorful, pattern-filled depictions of leisure activities in parks and public gardens.

However, Fahimi's use of watercolor and the more detailed architectural elements also bring to mind some of the works of British artist John Singer Sargent, particularly his watercolors of gardens and architectural subjects.

This painting showcases Fahimi's skill in creating a complex, multi-figure composition while maintaining a sense of atmosphere and light. The loose, fluid watercolor technique is particularly effective in rendering the dappled light and lush vegetation. The painting invites the viewer to imagine the sounds, scents, and activities of a pleasant day in the park, celebrating the simple joys of community gatherings in beautiful surroundings.

Details

Type

artwork

Created At

25 May 2023