I Am Here. Mahdyar Jamshidi

About

In a world where meanings and messages are intertwined and the truth of communication is concealed beneath a layer of vague signs, by using a simple sign, I Am Here attempts to emphasize the necessity for a dialog between geography, science, history, culture, politics, myths, etc.

The uniqueness of this project lies in its creation of a discursive situation for viewers.  Having typed the word “Iran” in the search bar of Google Earth or the Google Maps site, a red balloon marked the centroid of Iran—a location in the middle of the desert in the outskirts of the town of Ardakan in Yazd province.

The artist then took it upon himself to physically mark the same location on the ground.  Thus, he provides the possibility, both for himself and others present at the site, to share his ideas in relation to the meaning of communication and to promote the decentralization of one’s own position.

I Am Here was created last year as an art project and this introduction to its physical location, will enable participants to produce new meanings and definitions of the project concept.  The completed project will be presented in January 2017 along with a catalog and related talks to be held at Ag Galerie.

I Am Here has been made possible by the support of the Department of Environment of Tehran Province, the Department of Environment of Yazd Province, the Department of Environment of the City of Ardakan, the Natural Resources Organization of the City of Ardakan, the Governorship of the City of Ardakan, the Town Hall of Aghda.  All funding was provided by the artist. The project launch and parallel events are made possible by Ag Galerie and will include a curatorial tour, site visit and talks.