Saya Behnam invites art lovers into her vibrant, nature-inspired world through her duo exhibition “Radiance and Bloom” alongside artist Azadeh Sahraeian. The exhibition, on view at Pars Place Gallery in Vienna, Virginia, runs from November 3 to December 1. In this show, Saya presents a stunning new ceiling installation of silk scarves eco-printed with dyes derived from her unique botanical pigments, alongside a collection of her latest works harmonized through a carefully curated color scheme.
An artist, scientist, and environmentalist, Saya’s practice is deeply rooted in nature, drawing upon her background in botany to inform her intricate processes. Each piece she creates captures the natural world not only through visual form but also through its very essence. Using pigments that she derives from plants, minerals, spices, and earth stones, Saya crafts colors that embody the unique environmental conditions of their origin, responding to the soil, weather, and time of creation. This approach results in colors that can never be replicated, with each hue carrying a specific memory of place and time.
For Saya, the concept of “Radiance and Bloom” aligns perfectly with her artistic vision. Her pigments are inspired by nature’s radiance and the beauty of blooming flowers—a metaphor that resonates in her art. Flowers like white cosmos, marigolds, and indigos grown in her “dye garden” contribute to her sustainable practice, where even lichen is ethically sourced to preserve the environment. Through this careful relationship with her materials, Saya invites viewers to experience the interconnectedness and impermanence of nature—qualities she captures with each brushstroke and unique pigment.
Collaborating with artist Azadeh Sahraeian, whose monochromatic lines contrast with Saya’s rich colors, the exhibition offers a poetic interplay between their distinct approaches to nature. Visitors can immerse themselves in Saya’s lush hues and dynamic forms while reflecting on the natural harmony and contrast that each artist brings to life.
Saya hopes this exhibition will inspire visitors to view nature with a sense of wonder and respect. She sees her work as a language that connects people and aspires to convey hope, positivity, and the intertwined beauty of nature’s elements.
To experience “Radiance and Bloom,” visit Pars Place Gallery through December 1, or stop by Studio 229 at the Torpedo Factory Art Center to see Saya’s art in progress!