Mohammad Kasiri
Mantra
How Design Comes to Life
Every piece of art starts with a spark of inspiration, but the journey from idea to finished work is where the real magic happens. In this story, we dive deep into the intricate process of designing an artwork from the first sketches and material choices to the final touches that bring the vision to life. Discover how each decision, from color palettes to structural details, shapes the meaning and emotional impact of the piece. Join me as we uncover the hidden layers of creativity and craftsmanship that transform a simple concept into a powerful work of art.
Mantra
This artwork draws inspiration from the Eightfold Path and the core teachings of Buddhism, embodying a balance and harmony that emerge from the endless motion of nature and awareness. The wooden frame contains 137 octagonal pieces, rotating in unison around their axes. This dynamic movement evokes the prayer wheel and the repetition of mantras, serving as symbols of focus, peace, and inner energy.
The octagonal shapes symbolize the principles of the Eightfold Path, representing a continuous journey toward awareness and enlightenment—from Right View and Intention to Right Speech, Action, and Livelihood. Each piece signifies an element of the path, reflecting an inner and purifying journey that leads to unity and inner peace through self-awareness and mindfulness.
The brown and green tones in the piece reflect nature, earth, and spiritual growth. Brown signifies roots and the human connection to the earth, while green symbolizes budding growth and spiritual awakening that moves outward toward enlightenment. Together, these colors create a harmonious depiction of serenity and the connection between mind and nature.
This visual and kinetic composition, akin to mantras and the prayer wheel, represents an unending cycle a pursuit of peace and balance that guides one toward coexistence and connection with the surrounding world.
Monalisa
Creating ceramic pieces and turning them into a mosaic has perhaps been the most challenging project I've undertaken so far. Pixel art has always inspired me, and this might be the first time I've decided to create a serious work in this field. To confront the challenges of this task, I started with a particularly challenging image.
Having a background in ceramics and pottery, my interest in pixel art led to the fusion of these two passions. I haven't seen similar works combining these elements, both locally and internationally, which further motivated me to give it a try. The final number of ceramic pieces I decided to work with is 4,004. The dimensions of the pieces are approximately 2x2 centimeters, while the overall size of the mosaic is 1x1.5 meters
