Mally Khorasantchi is a German-American artist celebrated for her unique ability to combine abstraction, natural motifs, and philosophical concepts resulting in artworks that are not only visually compelling but also intellectually and emotionally engaging. Her vibrant, thought-provoking art delves into profound themes surrounding humanity’s spiritual evolution and its connection to the cosmos. Drawing inspiration from the Hungarian philosopher of anthroposophy Rudolf Steiner, who she studied extensively, her work explores themes of nature, chaos, and order and a holistic view of the world where the material and spiritual realms are interconnected.
The use of natural elements such as hexagonal patterns (reminiscent of beehives) and tree roots in her abstract compositions, in particular, suggest this interconnected web of existence where humans, nature and the universe are intrinsically linked. “In science and nature hexagons stand for order and also for life and the beginning,” Khorasantchi explains, emphasizing the resilience of life.
Harmony and Balance
Her exploration of chaos and order mirrors Steiner’s concepts of achieving harmony between the inner self and the external world. The layers and textures in her paintings may represent the multiple dimensions of reality—physical, emotional, and spiritual—encouraging viewers to seek balance within these realms.
Cosmic Perspective
Khorasantchi’s work often seems to reach beyond the earthly sphere, drawing viewers into a sense of the infinite. Her incorporation of abstract motifs and vibrant energy invokes a feeling of wonder, akin to Steiner’s view of humanity’s place as both grounded in the natural world and reaching toward the cosmic.
Mally Khorasantchi’s art isn’t just visually striking—it invites introspection about our individual and collective spiritual paths. In this way, her work serves as a bridge between art and the deeper mysteries of existence. In this sense it can be thought of as edging into more ontological realms, where questions of reality and being arise.
Spiritual Transformation
Through abstract forms and dynamic compositions, Khorasantchi reflects the idea of human beings as constantly evolving entities—both materially and spiritually. Her works can be interpreted as visual meditations on the journey of self-discovery and the quest for higher consciousness.
Emotional Resonance
Her use of bold colors and striking textures aims to evoke a visceral response, encouraging viewers to reflect on their emotions and perceptions of the world around them.
Her favorite brands of paint to work with are Old Holland, Windsor and Newton—all expensive brands in oil (she only uses oil), expensive because of the amount of oil and pigment (the more the better) makes a difference in the quality of the paints.
Photographs, Collage, and Layered Realities
Collage demands refined balance, not only in imagery and form, but also of content and theme. The incorporation of photographs into her paintings is one of the most intriguing aspects of her artistic approach. She uses fragments of real-world images, often blending them seamlessly with abstract elements, to build complex and layered dynamic compositions and multidimensional narratives. These layers invite viewers to look beyond surface impressions and consider deeper complexities.
“My work also attempts to create ambiguity or even confusion by juxtaposing seemingly unconnected images. To do this, I have incorporated into many of my paintings fragments of photographs, some manipulated, some layered over others, some obscured by paint. The images come from a variety of sources such as family archives, my own photography and appropriated magazine images. But all resonate on a personal level,” Khorasantchi relates. This technique serves multiple purposes, both aesthetic and conceptual:
- Bridging Realism and Abstraction: The photographic elements in her work anchor the viewer in the tangible, recognizable world, while the abstract components invite them to explore emotional and philosophical dimensions. This interplay creates a dialogue between what is seen and what is felt or imagined.
- Creating Depth: By layering photographic fragments within her paintings, Khorasantchi adds a physical and metaphorical depth. The layers symbolize the complexities of reality—different perspectives, hidden truths, and multifaceted experiences, “creating a world between fiction and reality,” Khorasantchi explained, speaking of her use of collage in general.
- Narrative Elements: The photographs often contain visual cues or motifs that suggest personal or universal narratives. These hints allow viewers to interpret the artwork through their own lens, making each piece a collaborative experience between the artist and the audience.
- Evoking Memory and Time: Photographs inherently carry a sense of the past, and Khorasantchi uses this quality to explore themes of memory, impermanence, and the passage of time. Their juxtaposition with abstract elements represents how memories are often fragmented and reshaped by personal perceptions. “My work allows me to focus on our perceptions of what is real or fake, what is true or false. Overloaded with information, purposely unfocused and evasive, my paintings become a kind of visual recording of the process and experience of recollection. Beliefs based on media, memory, and experience shape one’s reality, individual truth, or creed,” Khorasantchi explains.
- Symbolism and Transformation: The photographic fragments are not static; they are transformed through her artistic process, woven into larger compositions. This metamorphosis reflects themes of growth, change, and interconnectedness—aligning with her overarching exploration of chaos, order, and spiritual evolution.
Through this innovative use of photographs, Khorasantchi achieves a synthesis of the concrete and the abstract, offering viewers a rich tapestry to contemplate.
Early Days
Born in Düsseldorf, Germany, shortly after World War II, she discovered her passion for art at a young age and honed her skills under the guidance of professional German artists. She remembers being nine and winning an honor prize of the City of Düsseldorf where she gave her first interview and said that she wanted to become a famous painter.
By the 1990s, she had her first solo exhibitions in Düsseldorf.
Coming to America
In 1992, Khorasantchi immigrated to the United States, where she established herself as a full-time painter in Southwest Florida. She became an American citizen in 2006. As for why she chose to become American, Khorasantchi says, “My love for this country, American Optimism, the American people and Florida—I am born German, but American by choice.”
Education and Exhibits
From 1980 through 1992, she studied in Germany at the Malschule Hubbelrath Art Institute, Düsseldorf, studying with professors Barbara Boehringer and Wolfgang Eckhardt. From 2001-2005, she completed Independent studies with Graham Nickson, Dean of the New York School of Art, New York, NY and Hugh O’Donnell, Professor of Art, Boston University, Boston, MA. Her education continued with the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs’ Creative Capital Foundation Professional Development Program, in Pensacola 2011, Tallahassee 2012, and Sarasota 2016.
Her work has been featured in 12 solo exhibitions throughout Florida, New York City and Germany, as well as 18 group exhibitions, including the Russian State Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia. In addition to corporate and private collectors both in the United States and abroad, her paintings are in the permanent museum collections of the Baker Museum, Naples, FL; Freuenmuseum Bonn, Germany; the Russian Museum, St. Petersburg, and Florida Gulf Coast University, Estero, FL.
She is represented by the Harmon-Meek Gallery, Naples, FL and the Walter Wickiser Gallery, NYC, New York.
Coming Home
Khorasantchi recently finished a solo exhibit at BIG ARTS, Sanibel Island that ran from 1/31 – 3/9. Coming Home reflects themes of loss, renewal, and connection to nature. Through her oil and paper collage works, she delves into personal experiences, such as living alone after the loss of her husband and finding solace in her surroundings. This exhibit emphasizes patience, curiosity, and the idea of “coming home”—both to oneself and to the natural world.
Her thoughts on how the exhibit went? “Fabulous. We arrived in the United States in 1991 on Sanibel and from there our love for the US and especially Florida nature started. I have a special feeling for Sanibel and Captiva.”
Influences and Inspirations
She says the inspiration for her art is all around her and that she also reads extensively. She approaches her art in a very structured, disciplined way, working every day except for weekends or vacations, like you would approach any job. Her process is always goal-oriented, concentrating on the upcoming shows with one or two themes a year. Khorasantchi listens to music while she paints, everything from Coldplay to classical to Queen—whatever gives her energy to paint and get going.
German artists like Richter, Kiefer and deep thinkers have been her influences over the years, but also a lot of other artists too, and these also change frequently. As for personal influences, Khorasantchi says, “I think a painter knows early on, what is inside of him and eventually lets it come out. I think it’s a lonely job.” She adds that “the deep connection to art is only possible in solitude—at least with me.” She is quick to add, however, that family and friends are important for a balanced life, and for relaxation and downtime.
Her idea of the perfect evening? “A glass of champagne (the best for my heart) either by my river or with a dear friend.”
What does she do for fun/relaxation? “Concerts, walking, gathering with friends and family, cooking, laughing.”
Mally lives in Bonita Springs on the Imperial River with her “buddy”, a black cat named Mr. Tucker.
Extraordinary People
