From July 6 to August 31, the Alberta Society of Artists Galleries presents “Wild”, a solo exhibition by Calgary-based multifaceted artist and designer Nacim Ruintan-Tehrani. Nestled on the second floor of the Crossroads Market, “Wild” confronts the widening gulf between modern society and nature.
In our rapidly advancing technological era, Ruintan-Tehrani’s work serves as a poignant reminder of what we risk losing. Through her art, she bridges this divide, rekindling our emotional connection to nature and its diverse inhabitants. Each piece in the collection is a powerful call to contemplate the fading beauty around us, urging viewers to reevaluate their relationship with the world beyond urban boundaries.
The exhibition features a compelling mix of paintings and sculptures. Ruintan-Tehrani’s detailed acrylic paintings capture animal essence with striking realism. Her innovative mixed-media sculptures, inspired by natural forms like seed pods, showcase her skill in combining wire, papier-mâché, and clay. Ceramic pieces created through wheel-throwing and hand-building further demonstrate her technical prowess. This diverse array of techniques offers an immersive exploration of nature’s textures, colours, and shapes.
Among the exhibition’s standout pieces is “Striving To Survive“, an acrylic painting that depicts a lone goose navigating a busy urban street. This powerful image symbolizes wildlife’s struggle to coexist in human-dominated spaces. The stark contrast between the solitary goose in the foreground and the sea of people behind powerfully illustrates the shifting balance between nature and urbanization, highlighting the urgent need for conservation.
“Lion Tamarin” highlights Ruintan-Tehrani’s exceptional skill in capturing the essence of endangered species. The acrylic painting renders the primate’s golden-orange mane and black body in exquisite detail, bringing to life its unique beauty. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the piece serves as a poignant reminder of the species’ precarious status, drawing attention to the threats posed by deforestation and habitat loss.
“A Dip in the Ocean” challenges preconceptions about pigs by portraying these intelligent animals in a joyful, relatable light. The charming image of a pig enjoying the ocean prompts viewers to see similarities between pigs and humans. This piece exemplifies Ruintan-Tehrani’s ability to evoke empathy and challenge stereotypes, inviting viewers to reconsider common perceptions about these often misunderstood animals.
“Golden Hour Contemplation” depicts a pensive monkey in warm light, exploring parallels between human and animal societies. The image emphasizes the importance of community and social bonds for survival and growth. Inspired by the African proverb, “If you want to go quickly, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together,” the piece portrays the monkey as a symbol of social connection. Its thoughtful expression and solitary presence paradoxically highlight the universal importance of community among primates, reminding viewers of our similarities and the vital role of social relationships.
Ruintan-Tehrani’s ceramic sculptures, inspired by seed pods and natural forms, further enrich the exhibition. These pieces display the artist’s versatility and skill by combining wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques. The meticulous process of drying, firing, and layering gesso and paint results in structurally complex and visually striking works. These tactile, three-dimensional pieces echo themes of growth and potential, complementing the paintings and mixed-media works. Together, they create a diverse artistic experience that invites viewers to explore nature’s forms from multiple perspectives.
What sets this exhibition apart is Ruintan-Tehrani’s unique ability to portray animals with a sincere gentleness that is often hidden from the human world. Her approach is neither idealistic nor immature; instead, it presents a nuanced reality that invites viewers to reconsider their relationship with the natural world. Ruintan-Tehrani brings a depth of empathy to her subjects, revealing aspects of animal behaviour and emotion often overlooked in our fast-paced, urban-centric lives.
The exhibition is also an educational resource, with detailed artist statements providing valuable information about depicted species, their habitats, and challenges. This blend of visual art and education makes “Wild” an excellent resource for schools, conservationists, and nature enthusiasts.
The opening reception on Saturday, July 20, from 2 to 5 pm offers an opportunity to meet the artist and immerse oneself in this extraordinary collection. It promises to be more than a viewing but a chance to engage in meaningful dialogue about art, nature, and our role in preserving the wild beauty of our planet.
