Useless Machines: Sculptural Explorations by Parviz Tanavoli’s Students

In December 2016, I had the privilege of participating in the Useless Machines exhibition at the Mahe Mehr Gallery, a showcase of selected works by 15 students of Parviz Tanavoli. This exhibition was a fascinating exploration of the philosophical-artistic concept of "useless machines"—a playful yet profound commentary on the machine age we live in.

Under the guidance of Tanavoli, each artist created their own interpretation of "useless machines," a concept that challenges the logical, efficiency-driven nature of modern technology. It’s far easier to imagine creating functional, enduring machines, but how does one craft something intentionally useless? This exercise pushed the boundaries of creativity and conceptual thought, leading us to build sculptures that, while seemingly absurd or without function, carry deep artistic and philosophical messages.

The works displayed a wide range of technical approaches, each artist contributing a unique style and performance method. Though united by the common theme of "uselessness," the diversity in interpretation highlighted the rich creative potential of this concept. Through my own work, I explored the paradox of machines and parts that run continuously but achieve nothing—a reflection on the absurdity of some aspects of modern life.

For me, this exhibition was a chance to not only delve into this thought-provoking concept but also to push the limits of form and expression. Though useless in function, these machines invited viewers to reflect on the deeper meaning of purpose, creativity, and the unexpected value found in the seemingly trivial.