His art works are very emotionally powerful. Darvish is known for yours "Longboard Levitation" (in which he appears to fly on a skateboard through the streets of London or Tehran).
I see in his paintings a mix of Salvador Dali and the magical world of Alice in wonderland.
Darvish isn’t just aesthetics; it’s a moving meditation exercise.
Whether it’s calligraphic painting or symbolic representations of circular dance, the artist Darvish seeks to find inner peace in the solitude of the Whole.
Only when you’re at peace with yourself can you open yourself to the world.
Let’s get to know the artist better by letting him tell his story by answering our questions
Your first contact with art?
I was four years old with a fever, my mother had a Diego Rivera poster. I realized that the Painting was mirroring my state of mind and there was a conscious exchange happening, a profound vibration.
I was an only child with ambitious parents. I spent a lot of time on my own but by being creative I was never lonely. I knew then we’d be friends for life.
When did you realize that art would go from a passion to a profession?
I don’t really know where the dividing lines are between and my passion and my career, it all seems to be a big fusion, an extension of myself. So it was never a moment, just a progression of the self.
Your first work?
My first painting was a realistic rendition of a naked boy painting a stick figure of a girl on a wall whose face becomes real. I did that in my 20s, I started painting quite late.
Do you have to study art to create it?
I believe in submerging oneself in masterpieces of the past and present, in music, poetry, literature, cinema…to surround yourself with artists that light your fire. I don’t believe it necessarily has to be a school education because a lot of the teachers in today’s institutions do not know a lot about technique, especially when it comes to painting. Museums are a treasure chest of inspiration, but so is the unfolding of life all around us every day.
How do you choose what to portray?
I don’t try and portray a single subject as much as a single feeling. It’s hard to describe in words which is why I choose paint.
The closest way I could describe it is the feeling I get when I have jumped high on a trampoline and reached the peak before I come down. There is a split second moment of calmness, of weightlessness, where even my shadow is no longer attached to me.
An anecdote you recall with a smile?
I remember when I first started my movement work, and I was practicing outside this hairdresser. There was this beautiful woman Watching me from inside.
I could see her staring at me and I thought to myself she must be really he enjoying what I’m doing. I must’ve been dancing for 45 minutes and she didn’t move, she was totally transfixed on my every motion.
Afterwards when I was leaving and passed the hairdresser, I glanced at the woman and realized it was just a mannequin with a wig.
It was a very important revelation for me.
From that point on I just moved for myself and let the music be my muse…oh yeah music must come from the word muse.
If you could meet an artist from the past, who and what would you ask for?
I would like to meet Rumi. I feel a deep connection to his poetry and Sufism has been a big part of my development an artist.
I call myself a ‘Sufi school drop out’ because even though I draw inspiration from its teachings, I sldo know that I had to find my own path… I’m not very good with directions.
If you met yourself at 18, what advice would you give yourself?
Take it easy, we are flying around on a rock at 1000 miles an hour to Space. There is no reason to hold on so tightly.
Being grounded is overrated.
How important is communication?
I believe Communication with self is more important than communication with others. Without understanding of self, everything is small talk and niceties.
It takes time and going under many layers of cultural conditioning but this jouney makes for a higher quality of communication with others.
What is the difference in the perception of art between Italy and abroad?
It’s the difference between a Brazilian playing football and an American.
It’s just inside their Gentic make up. Italians have the same word for drawing as design, because for them everything is disegno disegno disegno.
What is art for you?
Art for me is falling in love with life. Falling in love with the people and the places that surround you every day.
Creativity is our only savior.
What do you expect from a curator?
Well my wife is a curator, so I have learned to manage my expectations, lol.
What do you ask of a gallery owner?
A Gallery Owner should be in your corner and bring out the best in you. That is different from bringing out the best for business.
My gallerist, Leila Heller, does exactly that but I know I am very lucky and it’s hard to find that connection for many artists.
How important are light and color to you?
For me that’s like saying how important are your arms and legs. I wouldn’t get very far without either.
Your life is definitely a balance between dream and reality.
It was a pleasure meeting you
Alessio
