Survey of Works by Soody Sharifi Opening Reception

A Survey of Works by Soody Sharifi March 15 through April 5, 2025 Opening Reception: Saturday, March 15, 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Walking Tour with Artist, Saturday, March 22, 2:00 to 4:00 pm Deborah Colton Gallery is pleased to present A Survey of Works by Soody Sharifi. This extraordinary exhibition that includes several bodies of works encompasses the entire grand Deborah Colton Gallery location, at 2445 North Boulevard, Houston, Texas, 77098. The opening reception includes complimentary valet and refreshments and is open to the public. Soody Sharifi is an Iranian American artist, based in Houston, whose work addresses the complexity of identity, namely the paradoxes and contradictions inherent in living between two cultures. Since 1999, she has explored what constitutes American, Iranian, and Muslim notions of modernity and tradition. She has focused particularly on youth culture and the role it plays in self-identity, especially within environments considered to be conservative or traditional. Her work has been exhibited around the world, including the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and Sharjah Museum of Art, amongst many others. For over two decades, Soody Sharifi has documented and staged settings of students, punk rock groups and gay and lesbian couples in the United States and in Iran. Through a capacious use of photography as documents and collage as gestures, Sharifi has always offered a poetic, tender lens on harsh social realities. By staging herself, members of her family, or friends, her work tends to undo the images of Muslim stereotypes represented through the often-narrow focus of traditional media. Sharifi’s Flag Series (2011,2012) captured iconic moments of the post-9/11 moment in American allegiances. Her Maxiatures Series (2004–2012) and Persian Delights Series (2008–2016) bring a uniquely contemporary perspective to the millennial tradition of Persian miniatures. Her two new bodies of Women Life Freedom and Surreal Images cast a dreamlike look on recent events around the globe­, from the 2022 protest movement in Iran to the increasing polarization of the United States. This extensive and noteworthy survey of Soody Sharifi’s works will debut at Deborah Colton Gallery and will then be presented to several art institutions throughout the east coast of the United States. We are fortunate to have this award-winning, highly acclaimed artist here in Houston. A walking tour of the exhibition with Soody Sharifi will take place on Saturday, March 22 nd from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Deborah Colton Gallery is an international contemporary arts gallery, based in Houston, Texas, that initiates projects and exhibitions for their artists throughout the United States. Deborah Colton Gallery also has OUTPOST NYC DCG, an east coast arts initiative, with a Studio Space in New Jersey. Save