Club 29

images

Club 29 was a temporary platform that sought to reconsider notions of exhibition space. The first part of this research project was accomplished through an exchange between Canadian and Iranian artists. It provided different experiences for viewers and participants throughout the exhibition. Club 29 consists of an installation and discursive, performative programs.

Club 29 reviews the collected narratives and archives of Rasht 29 (Club) (1967-1970, Tehran), the first non-profit art space in Iran founded by architect Kamran Diba, artist Parviz Tanavoli and musician Roxana Saba. The central concept for the club was to create a space for artists from various fields to gather, eat, drink, study and exchange ideas about art and culture. This unique space held a permanent exhibition of works by artists who frequented the club and organized programs such as poetry readings, musical performances, and theatrical rehearsals.

Artists Kelly Lycan, Derya Akay, Vedad Famour Zadeh, Reza Haeri, Sohrab Kashani, Natalie Purschwitz.

Approximations, Rasht 29

images

Approximations, Rasht 29, Program Concept and Installation. Including a performance, a workshop and documentation for Club 29. All work from 2018.

For Club 29, Lycan designed the program concept and installation based on historical photos and events of Rasht 29, which facilitated performances by artists from Canada and Iran. To respond to the intimate spaces at Ag Galerie and to recreate the social activities of the past, audiences were asked to occupy all three rooms while sitting on benches. Performances either moved between rooms or required the audience to move. Each program was a durational experience, lasting about an hour, like a theatrical play. The viewers interacted with specific objects in the installation and programme, sometimes taking part in performances designed and presented by Lycan, other artists, and the curator. 'Approximations, Rasht 29’ was exhibited as a static installation during gallery hours.”