Book Description

In Irfan Ajvazi’s artworks, men are discreetly observed, almost like flies on the wall, without disrupting their self-perception. These men represent the modern archetype, dressed in timeless suits, seemingly in control, yet occasionally revealing their vulnerabilities. Irfan’s art uncovers the hidden suffering beneath the facade of order and discipline in the modern world. Drawing has been Irfan’s lifelong means of understanding the world. He skillfully controls color and composition, akin to a seasoned calligrapher or a pianist adding that unspoken essence to his work. His ability to capture the essence of a moment with precision is striking. Ravn takes on the role of a surveillance camera, observing while his subjects lose control, leaving behind intriguing mysteries. Some of Irfan’s pieces exhibit fragmented motifs, revealing the inner turmoil and absurdity of modern existence. Men in suits and shiny shoes tumble, displaying a choreographed loss of control, shedding light on societal norms. His series of artworks often explore variations on a central theme, occasionally delving into the metaphysical, representing the inner and outer pressures that shape our humanity. Irfan’s paintings offer a window into the complex inner lives of his subjects, where multiple personas interact, emotions break through, and the boundaries of control are challenged. Irfan Ajvazi’s art is deeply infused with a profound admiration for black and white photography and the visual culture of Central Europe during the 20th century. Influential filmmakers like Hitchcock, Bergman, Tati, Fellini, and Kubrick have always served as guiding stars, shaping the aesthetic essence of his work. In the early stages of his career, Irfan employed a limited color palette, primarily working with black, white, and ochre oil paints. Later, he introduced ultramarine and vermillion, expanding his spectrum to these five colors. In more recent paintings depicting gardens and forests, a splash of lemon yellow adds a refreshing vibrancy to the lush greenery. Although Irfan’s artistic journey may appear unconventional at first glance, intimate connections can be traced from his early record covers and designs to the themes that pervade his art. For instance, the cover of “Tøsedrengene 3” (1982) visualizes the disciplined young body, while “Gangway’s Out on the Rebound for Love” (1985) introduces the suited modern man. Both these designs carry a lightly nostalgic touch reminiscent of a bygone era, influenced by black and white photography. The overarching exploration of the modern man’s disciplined exterior and tumultuous interior can be observed throughout Irfan’s artistic evolution. This theme is also evident in his fashion design, such as “Trust Your Intuition” (1991), where he plays with the male role in conflict with identity and instincts. In recent years, Irfan’s male figures have begun to break free from their mental confines and interact with various landscapes. Some find themselves in semi-natural garden spaces, while others appear as if they’ve been dropped into open, cultivated landscapes with intricate road networks dividing the surroundings. A few have ventured into the woods, embracing nature. This shift from inhabiting abstract mental spaces to occupying physical spaces is notable. The garden paintings, in particular, are characterized by a dark sense of humor that subtly underlies Irfan’s work. The suited men, despite their formal attire, attempt to unwind in these recreational spaces. This juxtaposition reflects the containment of the human’s animalistic side, mirroring the tamed nature of the garden compared to the wild surroundings. By Noah Moreland , art historian and writer