In conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Month in May, ceramic artist and sculptor Shima Amia is showcasing her collection titled "Monsters are Beautiful" at Stal Gallery in Madinat Sultan. The exhibition runs until June 2, 2024.
Amia’s message is clear: while people often focus on their superficial appearance, they tend to overlook the crucial aspect of mental health. Creating this collection, which took almost a year, was not only a reflection of her personal experiences but also a significant part of her healing process.
"In today's world, the narrative of beauty mirrors the tragic tale of Echo and the self-destructive obsession of Narcissus," explained Amia. "Society places immense emphasis on superficial appearances, diminishing the importance of deeper qualities and fostering a culture where outward appearance reigns supreme."
The exhibition "Monsters Are Beautiful" voices the pain, defeat, and suffering of those ensnared by their own narcissism, lies, and hypocrisy. Yet, from this pain emerged knowledge, creativity, and awareness. Amia has chosen clay as her medium of expression, reflecting her passion for ceramic art and pottery, which she finds deeply connected to nature.
"Earth is one of the four natural elements, or clay as it is described in pottery. It is a fundamental material and deserves to be glorified. This artwork fascinates me because it integrates earth, hands, and emotions," she explained.
Her focus lay on the delicate intricacies of human psychology, a realm often veiled until expressed. With careful molding and shaping, she brought forth characters to narrate her tale.
"I was unfamiliar with narcissism initially. But upon learning of it, I felt compelled to delve deeper, conducting thorough research into the personality disorder. Recognizing the importance of seeking professional guidance to navigate such challenges, I observed many suffer in silence," explained the sculptor, whose art gave voice to countless victims impacted by narcissists, exemplified by her installation of 53 faces reflecting a myriad of emotions.
In her view, "Narcissus, shaped by his surroundings, not only precipitates his own decline but also disregards the inherent worth of humanity and nature, dragging others into his abyss like eternal voids. Perceiving himself as the universe's axis, he dismisses anything beyond his own desires and fantasies. Yet, this monstrous facade presents itself as beautiful, masking its true inner turmoil.
She elaborates on a reality where bodies collapse, faces wrinkle, and voices resonate with anxiety, where surfaces dry and colors fade into a matte gray. Her inquiry is poignant: "Have we, too, become monsters, our self-absorption blinding us to the world?" Are we, in turn, victims of these monsters? She emphasizes the necessity for seeking help to mend internal wounds, alongside the external scars, advocating for the discovery of inner tranquility.
"Rediscovering and reshaping beauty demands attentive observation and contemplation," Shima asserts, "facilitating the restoration and amplification of what teeters on the brink of collapse, uncovering and enhancing the inherent beauties within."
Originally from Tehran, Shima Amia has been a full-time ceramicist and art instructor in Oman since 2013. In 2016, she founded her own art studio in Muscat, where she imparts her artistic wisdom to individuals of all ages.
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