"CYBER-VOYAGE: L’ÉCRITURE AUTOUR DU MONDE" – CHAYAN KHOÏ FOR MONTBLANC, FLORENCE
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Chayan Khoi
There’s a way a certain vivid image stays in one’s memory even with the passing of the years. I remembered going though some incredible visuals that was sent to an Italian associate who introduced the visuals to me when I was in Milan early 2002.
There was a number of product photographs I was given to look at from various brands, but the one that stuck in my mind was that of Iranian artist, Chayan Khoi, and his work for Montblanc when the inauguration of Montblanc’s boutique in Via della Vigna Nuova in Florence took place between 23 to 25th of June 2000.
I have always loved Montblanc pens for their beautiful shape, and the “collection” pieces particularly the pens inspired by musical composers, ever since I started my first collection of Montblanc fountain pens in 1989, although these days, my preference for fine writing instruments would also include Omas, which is another superb writing instrument.
Montblanc thought to launch a fascinating exhibition with Chayan Khoi at the time of their Florence boutique inauguration under the theme: “Cyber-Voyage: l’écriture autour du monde”. The theme introduces five great photographic work in which Chayan Khoi creates future universes where references to great cultural tradition and landmarks of East and West converge and are depicted in vivid detail.
Chayan Khoi’s cyber-realistic art illustrates landscapes where Venetian canals co-exist with the skyscrapers of New York, or the pairing of the pyramids of Egypt and Chinese pagodas.
The visual artworks strive to relay the testimony and role of Montblanc in bridging the contrast between written works and that of the virtual world in its appreciation of the “necessity” of both in what is present and future to man. Chayan Khoi’s interpretation of Montblanc’s testimony show strong impressive colours and images of recognizable monuments in Eastern and Western cultures.
I had seen Chayan Khoi’s work of art some years ago and remembered them, and finding them again I feel his art has been able to stand the test of time well as they’re still able to deliver an impact.
Excerpt on Chayan Khoi:
A Renaissance man poised and ready to make his mark on the world, a unique and compelling European artist known for his cutting edge and modern style. He pushes his personal limits through hard work, perseverance, a sense of adventure and a passion for living life to the fullest. The embodiment of the exciting, multi-cultural aspects of modern Europe, Chayan sees the world as a playground, as an adventure to be lived and a place to be loved and experienced in all its facets.
==> CHAYAN KHOI @www.chayan.com
==> ART CENTER GALLERY @www.artcentergallery.com/gallery/chayan-khoi/
==> MONTBLANC @www.montblanc.com
