An exhibition of new and recent sculpture, print and textile-based work by French-Iranian artist Chalisée Naamani (b. 1995, Paris) will open in January. Naamani has referred to her sculpture as ‘image-garments’: These are produced via a process of layering and collaging imagery and text. Drawing from different ornamental traditions within decorative and fine arts, fashion and popular culture she quotes details from fabrics, paintings, personal photographs, images and archival documents sourced from the internet to produce soft sculpture that often takes the form of clothing or accessories. Works frequently refer to leisure activities including a range of fitness pursuits (from boxing to equestrian sports). Acts of protest and political resistance are another recurrent theme, for example the ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ movement that arose in Iran in 2022 in response to the death of Mahsa Amini. The exhibition title, Octogone, refers to a geometrical figure that connects Renaissance baptisteries to wrestling, boxing and martial arts. Naamani reimagines the exhibition space as an Iranian zurkhaneh or gymnasium for Varzesh-e Pahlavani (traditional athletics and martial arts). Such ritualistic practices are rooted in the Zoroastrian belief that mental and physical strength could be used to enhance spirituality. The artist’s first solo exhibition outside of France addresses questions of migration, motherhood, feminism, resistance and concepts of Heimat.

The exhibition is organised in collaboration with Palais de Tokyo, Paris.