By Åse Anderson
Imagine slipping on these bejewelled shades created by Iranian artist Avish Khebrehzadeh when sunning yourself by the pool this summer. The paradoxical concept of hiding behind your sunglasses while still being the centre of attention is brought to life in Iranian artist Avish Khebrehzadeh's latest creation.
Blending into the crowd is not an option with these opulent limited-edition L.G.R sunnies, created in collaboration with the Elisabetta Cipriani Gallery. At the same time, the sunglasses explore the notion that we all hide a part of our true self behind a mask. Avish says: "Our life is a mask, even to ourselves. It is neither visible nor tangible, it is simply there. We mock, ridicule, transform our mask as we come upon others."
Available in three different styles, the sunglasses are on sale through the Elisabetta Cipriani gallery in London. The first pair features an elaborate dragonfly in gold-plated silver and enamel while two golden butterflies stretch out their wings across the lenses of the second pair. A lizard and a cricket, in enamel with a smattering of black diamonds, clamber around the frames of the third and final style.
Only 25 pairs of signed and numbered sunglasses are available in each style.
Italian sunglass brand L.G.R is renowned for its ergonomically designed frames made from durable raw materials with tempered mineral glass lenses.
Born in Tehran, Avish studied philosophy, photography, painting and mathematics in the US, Italy and Iran. She has won several awards for her drawings, paintings and animations, and now lives and works in Washington DC and Rome.
