Tribal Rhythm

Haleh Mashian

Mixed Media on Wood Panel

60 x 60″

“Tribal Rhythm” blends abstraction with figuration, capturing the raw energy of movement and the layered nature of identity. With sweeping brushstrokes and textured surfaces, the piece pulses with rhythm, as if the figure within it is emerging from—or dissolving into—the surrounding chaos. The result is a painting that feels alive, inviting deeper reflection on the connection between self, history, and cultural expression.

Mashian’s technique of layering and scraping away paint to reveal the stained wood beneath creates a striking contrast between depth and exposure. This method gives the figure a primal, almost sculptural presence, reinforcing the idea that identity is shaped by both what is visible and what remains hidden. The rich, earthy color palette—deep reds, browns, and stark whites evoke themes of ancestry, heritage, and the ways history is etched onto the body. The brushstrokes are loose yet deliberate, reinforcing the idea that the piece itself has a pulsating and vibrant rhythm.

“Tribal Rhythm” offers a sense of depth, movement, and cultural resonance to contemporary spaces, making it a coveted centerpiece for interior designers and art collectors. Its layered textures and expressive form make it an engaging focal point, bridging modern abstraction with the timeless nature of human expression. Mashian captures something deeply instinctual in this work, reminding us that beneath the layers of paint, history, and personal experience, there is a shared rhythm that connects us all.