Behnam-Bakhtiar’s paintings envision the construct of life and humanity, suspended in time. In his work, the artist juxtaposes interpretations of his connection to life and signifies of a vital and necessary perspective on the world and human processes. With intricately layered works, in many of his recent canvases, he adopts a sustainable approach, embracing recycled and natural pigments as well as the use of untreated canvas and sustainably sourced chassis, which he augments by incorporating natural medium sourced from areas where he creates the works. A pioneering and conscious shift that considers the footprint of an artwork and its physical impact on the world’s environment while creating a sensory experience for the viewer. In his signature style of peinture raclée, or scraped painting, the artist continually creates a deeper abstract window into a visual representation of humanity’s true strengths and identity, exploring the power and potential of one’s energy, and its ability to lead us into a necessary human evolution.

Since 2016, Behnam-Bakhtiar has increasingly practiced his signature style of work, creating paintings which reflect the layers of one’s journey through life, meditating on the fine dance of energy, feelings and time. He paints from one layer to another, repeatedly sculpting and de-layering the canvas, for several months to years, physically manifesting the human experience. These multi-layered works reference a prosperous way of life, human consciousness leading to evolution, and awakening to the experience of positive emotions, at times despite adversity. The overlapping layers of pigments are masterfully applied bringing forth complex compositions that are directly related to the artist’s experience of life. Searching for primal creative experience, Behnam-Bakhtiar avoids preliminary planning or sketching, confronting the viewer instead with an unmediated dialogue between colour and gesture that presents a powerful impact and connection through a living experience of each oeuvre.

Behnam-Bakhtiar’s oil paintings are created in his signature style of peinture raclée involving an intricate style of scraping, relaying and spreading of numerous blends over particular points.

For the artist, these represent layers of energy, feelings and time. He paints from one layer to another for several months to years to create his complex works referencing to a prosperous way of life, human evolution, the universal language, eternal feelings and Self, history, present and future, awakening a strong sense of experiencing positive emotions and transcendence, while accessing its audience’s psyche to bring about locked knowledge, intuition and human sensitivity.

Sassan’s most recent works have been shown worldwide including solo exhibitions at Phillips London, Sotheby’s in the Principality of Monaco, Dusseldorf’s Setareh Gallery, London’s Saatchi Gallery and at the historic Villa Santo Sospir in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.