Fazilat Soukhakian — Under the Same Sky
Material is pleased to present the exhibition "Fazilat Soukhakian — Under the Same Sky," a presentation of photographs by nationally and internationally exhibiting artist Fazilat Soukhakian, opening on August 9, 2024. Soukhakian's exhibition marks the first anniversary of Material, which has become a notable presence in the Utah contemporary art scene.
An Iranian American artist, photographer and scholar, Soukhakian began her career as one of Iran's few female photojournalists. Her experiences in Iran, marked by social and political upheaval, greatly influenced her perspective and artistic direction. Upon moving to the United States, she pursued higher education, earning both an MFA and a Ph.D. in Architectural History. Her academic background, coupled with her practical experience as a photojournalist, has enriched her approach to photography as a powerful tool for social change and justice.
Through this exhibition, Soukhakian invites viewers to a visual dialogue that transcends borders and fosters empathy. She says, "Under the Same Sky is a journey through time and space, captured through personal experience and observation. The collection spans from 2006 to the present, reflecting dual perspectives from Iran to the United States. Despite the stark differences between these societies, the photographs in this show highlight universal themes of pain, loss, grief, inequality, discrimination, and injustice that transcend geographical boundaries. Soukhakian says: “I invite viewers to contemplate the interconnectedness of our experiences and emotions. My work is a testament to the power of photography not only to document moments but to provoke thought, inspire change, and unite us under the vast and unifying expanse of the sky."
Material co-founder Colour Maisch says, "It's been an honor to work with Fazilat to curate work from two distinct collections that contrast significant phases of her artistic journey. The first collection highlights her early work, focusing on her observations of the society she grew up in through a photojournalistic lens. In contrast, the second collection is profoundly personal, exploring her intimate experience of loss and grief following her father's passing. Together, these collections invite viewers to reflect on their own experiences, fostering a shared sense of consolation in the beauty and universality of grief while capturing the richness of the external world and the internal landscapes of human experience. We are proud and excited to share this work with the public."
Material will host an opening reception for Fazilat Soukhakian on Friday, August 9, from 6-9 p.m., with an artist talk from 5:30-6 p.m. The exhibition will also be available for viewing on Friday, August 16, 6-8 p.m., as part of Salt Lake City's Gallery Stroll, during the closing reception on Friday, September 20, from 6-8 p.m., and by appointment. Soukhakian will attend the opening and closing receptions of her exhibition.
About the Artist
Fazilat Soukhakian is an Iranian American artist and photographer currently an Associate Professor of Photography at Utah State University. She received her Master of Fine Arts degree and her Ph.D in Architectural History from the University of Cincinnati. Her work has garnered significant recognition and has been featured nationally and internationally in numerous exhibitions. Notable venues include the Blue Sky Gallery in Portland, FotoNostrum in Barcelona, the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art (UMOCA) in Salt Lake City, and the Photographic Center Northwest (PCNW) in Seattle. Awards such as the Utah Division of Arts & Museums Fellow, FotoNostrum Book Publication Award, Julia Margaret Cameron Award, Critical Mass Top 50, and Michael Reichmann Project Award recognize her photography contributions and commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.
About Material
Built on the collective vision of artists Jorge Rojas and Colour Maisch, Material is a multifaceted art space housing a commercial gallery, artist studios, classes and community events. Material exhibits local, national, and international artists through community-centered events and collaborations.
