Crystallized

Haleh Mashian

Mixed media on canvas

48 x 48″ (121.9 x 121.9 cm)

Haleh Mashian’s “Crystallized” has a multi-layered sculptural quality that captures the rhythmic movement of the ocean with a fusion of texture, depth, and light. Blurring the line between painting and sculpture, this mixed-media work transforms the canvas into an immersive seascape, where waves seem to extend beyond their boundaries. Using plaster, paint, glitter, and reflective materials, Mashian creates a surface that mimics the constant undulation of water, making the piece feel dynamic and alive.

The composition’s texture is a defining feature, as layered media recreate the crests and troughs of ocean waves with remarkable dimensionality. Deep blues dominate the upper portion of the piece, gradually transitioning into lighter tones that suggest the interplay of foam, transparency, and depth in water. The waves appear momentarily frozen—capturing both their power and delicacy, much like light refracting off a crystalline sea.

“Crystallized” is a meditation on energy, motion, and the fleeting beauty of nature. The title suggests both solidity and fragility—the way water can appear frozen in time while remaining in constant motion. This paradox is echoed in the painting’s interplay of textures and reflective surfaces, capturing a moment that is both powerful and ethereal, sure to impress audiences of all kinds–especially collectors and interior designers–pursuing contemporary public spaces.