The works of Iranian-born artist Fahimeh Amiri often fuse ancient and traditional Persian deity and lore with the plight of Iranian women today. Yet Amiri's refined, stylized, symbol-driven, color-harmonizing and geometrically graphic canvases are not the kind that hits the viewer over the head with politics. Amiri's showing of 20 canvases at 15th Street Gallery is a break from demographics and sociology; it's an investigation through animated form into the everyday—well, almost. The canvases on display at 15th Street have a summery carousel of color, lucidity of line, and a fascination of formal shape and structural quality. And while they may deal with less-difficult, less-challenging subject matter than her more politically charged works, their delightful aesthetics make them a enjoyable treat. That said, Amiri is unable to resist incorporating her feelings on contemporary Iranian women into her subjects. In "Breeze" (pictured), the yellows range from deep papaya to bright lemon, and the blues from heavy cobalt to light turquoise. Lines form graphic, sweeping gestures, creating bold rhythms until the graceful subject is revealed—an Iranian woman. But her face is featureless and cast down, giving her a more universal character. While she wears a headdress, her clothes are full of color and her face is exposed. Yet there is despondency to her pose, and she sits in front of a curtained window. Has she truly found her liberty, or is she a domesticated woman? (Ehren Clark, City Weekly)