Morteza Khazaie: Upside Down

Dubai, UAE – Leila Heller Gallery is delighted to announce the upcoming solo exhibition by Morteza Khazaie, titled 'Upside Down’ opening on 15th April, 2025. 

“Upside Down” reflects the changes and transformations occurring both within individuals and society. The collection is inspired by nature, particularly by trees that bend in the face of wind and storms yet do not break. These trees, with their curved forms, symbolize resilience and flexibility; just as in life, people too change under pressure and harsh conditions, being guided towards new paths.

Morteza Khazaie delves into the delicate balance between vulnerability and strength. Known for his poetic and deeply emotive approach to form and material, Khazaie captures the essence of human resilience through organic, sculptural works. His unique craftsmanship and thoughtful use of wood create pieces that are both grounded and transformative, resonating with the themes of survival, adaptation, and silent strength.

In “upside down ,” the curved forms of trees are employed as symbols of adaptation and growth against the prevailing currents. Additionally, wood as a natural and living material imbues the works with a sense of life and dynamism. The use of wood in this collection, much like the trees, conveys a connection with nature and life, as wood originates from nature’s heart and carries the stories and experiences of time.

These works invite reflection on how one can bend in the face of adversity without breaking, emerging from hardships into new beauty. “upside down ” tells a story of an inner journey that, while looking back at the past and social changes, is beautifully depicted through artistic expression.

CURATOR’S STATEMENT: FARSHAD MAHOUTFOROUSH

“Upside Down” came from an observation I’ve returned to often about the quiet resilience of nature. Trees that yield in storms, yet continue to grow, became a metaphor for how we as humans navigate change. This exhibition is my reflection on the ways we adapt, redirect, and find new shapes for ourselves under pressure. The use of wood felt essential: it’s a material that remembers time, change, and life. Through these works, I wanted to explore how softness can be strength, and how being ‘upside down’ might simply mean seeing things differently.