Clouds Pastel 2001 Iman Maleki

The artwork presents a study of atmospheric phenomena, specifically focusing on cloud formations. Here we observe a dramatic sky dominated by voluminous cumulus clouds, rendered in pastel. The palette is largely muted – a range of grays, browns, and creams – with subtle hints of blue suggesting the obscured horizon.
The artist’s technique emphasizes texture and light. Individual strokes are visible, contributing to a sense of immediacy and capturing the ephemeral nature of cloudscapes. Light appears to emanate from within certain cloud masses, creating highlights that contrast sharply with areas shrouded in shadow. This interplay of illumination generates depth and volume, giving the clouds a tangible presence.
The composition is anchored by a strong horizontal axis defined by the cloud line. The dark tones at the bottom portion of the image create a sense of weight and density, while the lighter, more diffused forms above suggest upward movement and expansiveness. A feeling of impending change or emotional intensity pervades the scene; the heavy clouds could signify an approaching storm, or perhaps represent a broader psychological state.
The absence of any terrestrial elements – no landscape, buildings, or figures – directs the viewer’s attention solely to the sky. This isolation amplifies the sense of vastness and solitude inherent in observing such a spectacle. The work seems less concerned with literal representation than with conveying an emotional response to natures power and beauty. It evokes contemplation on themes of transience, scale, and the sublime.