Short Answer Sunday: Ali Kaeini

Meant to elicit quick, intuitive responses, Short Answer Sunday will introduce readers to a wide variety of artists, educators, writers, curators, art enthusiasts and art adjacent individuals whose inclinations I admire. With the intent of getting to know the person behind the artwork as well generating new avenues to artistic discovery, participants may respond with only a few words or an artist’s name, always with the opportunity to elaborate if they wish!

I was first introduced to Ali Kaeini's work at 1708 Gallery in Richmond almost exactly three years ago (my memory is not normally this precise, but for some reason this has stuck). I was struck by the whole show--a fantastic two-person exhibition called Earth Blossom with Ali’s work alongside equally awesome artist Eleanor Mahin Thorp.  

Ali makes stunning work that is closely aligned with painting and drawing, but also incorporates techniques associated with textiles. His paintings on raw canvas are sewn, dyed, and printed, in addition to including fabric collage, inks and various types of paint. Many of Ali’s paintings hang like unconventional tapestries. Amplifying their sculptural and architectural qualities, they hover off of the walls and jut into the gallery space. There are a good number of reasons why I’m drawn to Ali’s work, including but not limited to his collage methodology, his material intelligence, the imagery that refuses to settle and slips elusively between abstraction and representation and my inclination that destruction & production intertwine in his creative practice.

I highly recommend this video developed in conjunction with Ali’s recent solo show Missed Mist at Nika Project Space in Paris, in which he talks about many aspects of his practice and process.  Big thanks to Ali for his time and thought on this Short Answer Sunday—I know you guys will love it.  

For more about Ali Kaeini and his work, go to his website or follow him on Instagram.
xo, Lauren

Name: Ali Kaeini
Occupation: Artist and Educator
Astrological data: Taurus
Hometown: Tehran, IR
Current location: Brooklyn, NY

Other than Instagram, how do you find new-to-you artists?

Residencies, Studio visits, Open studios, Galleries

 

An artwork that makes you laugh?

 

The recent show by Paz Sher called Justice [laughter] Justice 

 

An artwork that makes you cry?

Marina Abramovic works and Francesco Clemente

Francesco Clemente, Perseverance, 1982, Oil on linen, 78 x 93 in.
Image Source

An artwork that you'd like to live inside for a week?

Chinese landscapes maybe from Song dynasty - mountains and rivers

An artist whose work you can't stop thinking about?

It changes regularly, but right now: Renate Druks, Duane Linklater and Kiki Smith

An artwork that feels like a warm hug?

Persian carpets and Anni Albers works

Anni Albers, Design for a Rug, 1927
Black ink and watercolour over graphite with drawn and cut paper additions on off-white wove paper
Image Source

 

Carpet, circa late 16th-early 17th century, silk, metal wrapped thread; tapestry weave
Image Source

 

Erotic artwork? (editor's note: this is a multiple choice question)

Yes: ✅

What's an artwork that doesn't look like art?

Delcy Morelos, her show at Dia -El abrazo last year was amazing

Fav museum or gallery in your current location?

Dia Foundation, Drawing center, MOMA PS1

Last exhibition you saw irl?

Wendy Red Star at Sargent’s Daughters

An artwork that you'd like to see before you die?

Nazca lines in Peru

What art material do you love to nerd out on?

Natural homemade dyes and Woodblock printmaking

What song, book, podcast or film do you think everyone should know about?

Wim Wenders movies (Ed. note: 1000% percent 🙌)

 ❤

Ali Kaeini, an Iranian interdisciplinary artist based in Brooklyn, NY, earned his MFA from VCU in 2023. He has received the MacDowell Fellowship, VMFA Professional Award, and Hamiltonian Fellowship and attended the Skowhegan residency. His work has been exhibited across the U.S. Europe and the Middle East.

For more about Ali Kaeini and his work, check out his website and follow him on Instagram.