LED FARSH

This artwork by Roda Medhat is currently being exhibited at Mississauga Celebration Square, as part of Winter Magic.

Neon light panels affixed to brick pillars along an outdoor walkway at night. The panels glow with vibrant geometric patterns in a sequence of colours, casting a colourful reflection on the pavement.

Roda Medhat
LED lights and acrylic panels
2023

About the artwork

Stretching across two acrylic panels, crafted with LED tube lights, “LED FARSH” stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Kurdish craftsmanship. The LED neon tubes are meticulously designed to conjure the enchanting glow of traditional neon signage.

Within this luminescent tapestry is a faithful tribute to the intricate patterns and motifs of Kurdish textiles. With a reverence for heritage, each panel meticulously reimagines the geometry and symbolism inherent in these ancestral rugs, drawing viewers into a world of timeless storytelling. The intricate interplay of light and shadow across these patterns creates a sense of depth and movement.

In its visual language, “LED FARSH” pays subtle homage to the neon signage that adorns bustling urban landscapes, invoking a sense of nostalgia while simultaneously projecting an almost futuristic, neo-city esthetic. This duality of tradition and innovation underscores the installation’s overarching theme, bridging the gap between the past and the future, and inviting viewers to witness the captivating convergence of heritage and modernity.

Gallery

A close-up of a small, light-coloured bulldog wearing a harness, standing on a red picnic table. Colourful neon light panels on brick pillars provide a vivid background, enhancing the urban night scene. — LED FARSH by Roda Medhat, LED lights and acrylic panels, 2023. Temporarily exhibited as part of the 2023 Winter Magic celebrations at Mississauga Celebration Square. Photo credit: Tori Lambermont

Neon light panels affixed to brick pillars along an outdoor walkway at night. The panels glow with vibrant geometric patterns in a sequence of colours, casting a colourful reflection on the pavement. — LED FARSH by Roda Medhat, LED lights and acrylic panels, 2023. Temporarily exhibited as part of the 2023 Winter Magic celebrations at Mississauga Celebration Square. Photo credit: Tori Lambermont

About the artist

Roda Medhat is a Kurdish-Canadian artist, currently based in Toronto. He obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from OCAD University, where he specialized in video art, photography, and installation work. Additionally, he studied film production at FAMU Film and Television School of Prague.

Roda’s diverse body of work has been exhibited in galleries, theatres and public spaces throughout Canada. In 2023, Roda was selected as the 401 Richmond Career Launcher Prize recipient.

For more, follow @reallyroda on Instagram, or visit Roda’s website.

More information

This artwork is being exhibited as part of Winter Magic on Celebration Square from November 25, 2023 until January 4, 2024.

Photography by Tori Lambermont.