The Art of Absence: How Two Brothers Redefine Everyday Objects
What if the things we take for granted—a ladder, a desk, a door—were stripped of their purpose but gained something far more intriguing? This is the question at the heart of Saman and Sasan Oskouei’s The Weight of Less, a series that challenges us to see the ordinary in an entirely new light. Personally, I think this is where art becomes most powerful—when it forces us to question the very essence of what we consider functional or meaningful.
The Paradox of Emptiness
One thing that immediately stands out is the brothers’ use of punctured wooden sculptures. These aren’t just holes in wood; they’re deliberate voids that transform the object’s identity. A ladder, once a tool for ascent, becomes a fragile, almost poetic structure. What makes this particularly fascinating is how absence becomes the focal point. The Oskoueis aren’t just removing material; they’re revealing hidden rhythms and patterns within the wood itself. From my perspective, this is a metaphor for how we often overlook the beauty in what’s missing—whether in art or in life.
From Function to Presence
What many people don’t realize is that these sculptures aren’t just about aesthetics. The artists explain that as layers are removed, the objects lose their original purpose but gain a new presence. This raises a deeper question: What does it mean for something to be ‘useful’? In a world obsessed with utility, the Oskoueis invite us to appreciate the intangible—the way light filters through the holes, the way the wood seems to breathe. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a quiet rebellion against the idea that value is tied to function.
A Shift in Artistic Voice
The brothers, formerly known as Icy & Sot, are no strangers to social and political commentary. Their earlier work often used everyday materials to critique broader systems. But The Weight of Less feels different. It’s lighter, both physically and conceptually, yet no less profound. A detail that I find especially interesting is this shift in their approach. It suggests a maturation in their art—a move from overt critique to subtle reflection. What this really suggests is that sometimes, the most powerful statements are the ones that don’t shout.
The Everyday as Extraordinary
What this series does so brilliantly is elevate the mundane. A school desk, an industrial pallet—these are objects we barely notice. But through the Oskoueis’ lens, they become vessels of contemplation. In my opinion, this is where art intersects with philosophy. It’s not just about the object; it’s about what it makes us feel, think, and question. For instance, a door with holes in it can no longer provide privacy, but it might offer a new kind of connection—a reminder that boundaries are often illusions.
The Broader Implications
If we zoom out, The Weight of Less isn’t just about wood and holes. It’s a commentary on our relationship with materiality and purpose. In a culture that values excess, the Oskoueis are making a case for subtraction. What’s left behind isn’t emptiness; it’s potential. This series challenges us to reconsider what we hold onto and why. Personally, I think this is a timely message in an age of overconsumption.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on The Weight of Less, I’m struck by its quiet power. It doesn’t demand attention; it invites it. The Oskoueis have mastered the art of saying more with less, both literally and metaphorically. What this really suggests is that sometimes, the most profound truths are found in the spaces we leave unfilled. If you take anything away from their work, let it be this: absence isn’t a void—it’s an opportunity.
Explore more of their work at Oskouei Studio and follow their journey on Instagram.
