DEEVAN*
Project by Ayan Rezaei
Opening 08.10.2024 @7 pm
Exhibition 8.10.20241.11.2024
@Kunstraum Memphis

In the ancient cultures of Iran and India, the “Deev” (demon) is a creature with two distinct meanings. The original meaning as the “Daiwa” or “deva”, connects to light and inspiration, while later on in Iran, in order to achieve political independence and power, the Deev became a symbol of darkness and chaos. In old folklore literature they are described as human-like creatures with horns, tail, and protruding teeth, emerging at night and drawing power from darkness. They were interfering with everyday life and often blamed for loss or mysterious events. Even until today, people would attribute their fears, failures, and misfortunes—those events that defied logical explanation—to the Deevs. This is similar to the role of the Greek gods played in ancient mythology, where they were used to explain natural phenomena and unpredictable events. These figures provided a way for people to make sense of the chaos around them, offering explanations for occurrences beyond human control or understanding.

DEEVAN* represents "queer citizens" worldwide—immigrants whose identities, like those of Deevs, are marked by ambiguity. They face the same mechanism of fear of the unknown, viewed as distant and inaccessible, with their thoughts and identities remaining unfamiliar and out of reach.

The juxtaposition of these terms is not meant to imply similarity, but to critically explore the complexities of identity caused by migration. DEEVAN* are artists who inhabit the liminal space where cultures intersect, continually navigating the complexities of uncertainty and transformation. In this ambiguity, they confront some of the profound questions about existence, belonging, and contradictions within society.

To move beyond stereotypes and offer a fresh perspective on the new generation of diaspora artists, it's essential to create spaces that welcome the emergence of the unknown and the uncharted. DEEVAN* come together, take over exhibitions, strip them of older definitions, and reinvent them over and over again.

Artists: Anton Filchakov, Reihaneh Hosseini, Mona Janmohamadi, Hedieh Khajehzadeh, Ahoo Maher, Aftab Maher, Vahid Qaderi, Ayan Rezaei, Tanya Shtykalo

The DEEVAN* exhibition, in collaboration with the Vienna-based ĀNN Verein, hosted the project ‘Art & Exchange in the Diaspora’ to showcase its artworks.

Cooperation artists: Iklim Dogan, Shirin Farshbaf, Anne Glassner, Sepideh Hassani, Anahita and Munira

ĀNN Verein

Memphis

Exhibition