The works included in this issue of the journal are part of my ongoing series Ideal Ego. The title, Ideal Ego, alludes to the search for self-identity amid diverse places, times, cultures, and emotions. It denotes an aspira- tional concept, an imagined ideal of one’s perfect self that each individual subconsciously strives to attain. This body of work has been developed through an intimate exploration of the world around me, coupled with a deep introspection into my own identity.

          Central to this project is the practice of drawing into recycled, sec- ond-hand books. These volumes, imbued with the dreams, thoughts, and ideas of their previous owners, serve as a foundation upon which I overlay my own dreams, nightmares, and life experiences. By interweaving my nar- rative with those pre-existing within the books, I create a layered dialogue that examines the intersection of past and present identities.
          My objective is to uncover the authentic essence of these texts and, concurrently, to reflect upon my own self-conception. Through this pro- cess, my artworks function as a mirror, reflecting the complexities and fluidity of identity formation. Ideal Ego thus invites viewers to engage in a broader contemplation of the continual journey of self-discovery and the pursuit of an idealised self.

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Fatemeh Takht-Keshian, born in Tehran, lives and works in London. She received her practice-based PhD in Art from Lancaster University in 2017. Her art, incorporating collage, image transfer, and video, explores the relationship between identity and memory. She challenges the idea of time as a linear continuum, proposing a multidimensional perspective.

Takhkeshian.fatemeh@gmail.com
Fatemehtakhtkeshian.com

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