Ely Tahan’s extensive body of work encompasses a variety of mediums, including painting, drawing, collage, sculptural installation and photography. Surrealism, French philosophers, and postmodernism are among his multifaceted influences. Ely has been described as “an artist of unique vision and masterful execution.” An émigré, Ely is a world traveler, drawing inspiration for his works from rich locations throughout the United States, Europe, and beyond. Before moving to the U.S., Ely lived at various times in Africa, France, England, and Lebanon. His artistic journey has recently traversed three plateaus: The Streetlight theme exploring the relationships of light and vision in urban contexts. “Signs in Limbo” isolating abandoned commercial signs as a meditation on absence and loss. “Windows of Engagement” tackling the metaphor of the window as an interface that allows a plurality of visual elements to intermingle and elicit sparks of unexpected meaning. Most recently, his work has taken yet an unexpected turn with photographic tableaus of street life and sidewalk encounters inspired by the complexities of life in the big city.
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