The Language of Things

Exhibition Statement

The words of the esteemed Sufi poet Hazrat Inayat Khan, "All things are good; but all things are not good for every person, nor right at all times," echo my sentiments regarding the evolving worth of the items showcased in this exhibition. Within the confines of my studio's surroundings, I have amassed, imprinted, and drawn a diverse array of objects that have accumulated both outside and within the work sheds and factories. Among these objects are remnants of scrap metal, construction materials, tools, pallets, cardboard boxes, and packaging. These utilitarian yet often custom-crafted articles have fulfilled their roles and now rest on shelves, their surfaces undergoing the gradual transformation from the passage of time and exposure to the elements. This evolution in the nature of these objects aligns with Khan's insight that items can also lose their suitability when they are not in their rightful context or appropriate place. Nevertheless, this does not signify a perpetual state of disarray for these objects.

To me, the Language of Things embodies the ever-shifting attributes, purposes, and significance of objects—a concept analogous to how a sound can communicate either music or noise, contingent upon the moment and the listener. The articles I have salvaged for this exhibition resonate with me on a personal level, as they share akin qualities and "experiences" with my surrounding questions of purpose and redundancy. Importantly, their value is revitalized as subjects for aesthetic and artistic contemplation. They silently reverberate with symbolism and unveil the intrinsic connection between opposites, particularly the interplay of decay and resilience, delicacy and fortitude, and the duality of waste versus worth.

—Ali Bezer, 2023