From "Write on Me" 2007

Samira Eskandarfar made this drawing, "Write on Me," using what looks like colored pencils. See how the marks build up, layer upon layer? It's like watching a thought take shape. I’m drawn to the way the colors create a mood, a kind of quiet intensity. Look closely at the face. See how the red of her lips pops against the muted tones of her skin? The artist has used a lot of blending here, creating soft transitions, which brings a real sensitivity to the piece. And the writing, which encircles her head like a halo. It’s integrated into the image as a whole, both formally and conceptually. It reminds me of the work of Ghada Amer, who also incorporates text into her paintings, blurring the line between image and word. In the end, this is a piece that leaves room for your own story, for your own interpretation.