Rassouli’s art ignites inspiration from the heart
FUSIONART (Courtesy of Nina Welsh)
Fusionartist Freydoon Rassouli displayed his collection “Journey of the Spirit, from dream to reality” at an artist reception in Saddleback College’s Art Gallery on Feb. 8.
This Iranian-American artist has been called the Master of Fusionart, a title he has gained within the local community, as well as international art society.
The guests, consisting largely of art students, flocked to different walls, gazing into the work of the artist.
With titles for his art such as “Dream Passage,” “Free Flight,” and “The Soul’s Journey,” guests got to see for themselves what fusionart truly represents.
The work displayed at the event was a mix of older and more recent works, ranging in prices upward of $2,000.
On display was a collection of books and magazines, some in English and others in Farsi, that Rassouli illustrated.
Guests were able to read some of Rassouli’s quotes framed along the walls of the gallery.
“My paintings inspire, for they allow the observer to experience infinite viewpoints and perceptions,” Rassouli said. “They are not abstract; for they represent what is actually more real than what our eyes are able to see.”
Rassouli made it clear that his art is all about his initial instincts. Rassouli said that he must always feel his inspiration rather than think about it.
“I get inspired from my heart. My inspiration can only stay with me for a moment. If it stays too long and goes into my thoughts, it can become dangerous,” Rassouli said.
Rassouli claims he does not always understand his own art. When one looks at his art, they may view it as a dream first, reality the next and a dream again.
With the infinite definitions that his art portrays, Rassouli said he encourages viewers to find their own meaning for his paintings.
Rassouli’s concept for his art as the fusion of the opposites, he said. The mixing of the dream and reality, as Rassouli explained it, represents opposites like good and bad, light and dark.
“This is the main thing that stands in my heart. You are somewhere between a dream and reality,” Rassouli said while giving insight into the concepts in his work.
Real matter, such as women, men, and animals, were illustrated in his paintings with a backdrop of intangible concepts such as swirls, circles, and a wide range of colors, defining his concept of fusion.
Chelsey Bolt, 20, music, understood this concept.
“I think this is really beautiful. I love how he uses circles in his art to reflect light and dark,” Bolt said while looking at his piece, “Soul’s Journey.”
Live music performed by Saddleback’s jazz band played in the background while the guests strolled through the gallery, nibbling on the provided snacks, while taking in Rassouli’s collection.
This event, as well as other art gallery events, are organized and hosted by gallery director and art instructor Bob Rickerson.
Artist talk (Courtesy Nina Welsh)