Azim Morakabatchi’s Multimedia Exhibition / The Last 89 Seconds

The "Last 89 Seconds" collection comprises a 200 x 120 cm painting, a sculpture, and one artist book, all interconnected and pursuing a single concept. The collection takes its title from the Doomsday Clock. The Doomsday Clock is a metaphorical symbol introduced in 1947 by a group of scientists who participated in the first atomic bomb project. This clock symbolizes global crises such as nuclear wars, climate change, and destructive technologies that could lead to humanity's annihilation. The concept of time on this clock is regarded as an imminent threat; its hands symbolically shift, and each time more serious dangers threaten humanity, they move closer to midnight, representing the moment of the world's end.

The clock has always been close to midnight, but given the current global political, environmental, and scientific situation, the latest setting for this clock is 89 seconds to midnight. This global warning symbol urges humanity to take responsibility and be aware of major global threats.

Azim Morakabatchi created this collection to convey his message and spread this warning to all people around the world. The artist's approach in this series can be seen as a comparative and interdisciplinary study. Through the creation of key and highly symbolic elements across various mediums, Morakabatchi draws viewers into an inter-subjective challenge.

One of the most crucial elements in this work is the "bell." The bell, historically a familiar sound from churches announcing important times to people, is depicted at the center of the composition as a large sonic symbol within the painting. Additionally, the artwork features 24 human figures, symbolizing the 24 hours of a day. Each figure is engaged in a metaphorical role, playing their part in a broader action that will ultimately influence the destiny of all humanity on Earth.

The work also includes a limited number of animals, creatures that are sometimes perished and sometimes weakened as a result of human actions on Earth. In the background, a massive, dry, and lifeless walnut tree is visible. The presence of animal and plant symbols in this work suggests that no living creature on the planet is safe. Given its atmosphere and color palette, this piece can be considered placeless and timeless, a state that underscores the frustration and confusion of contemporary humanity.

All the symbols mentioned have been recreated by the artist in various other mediums. These final few seconds, as noted, have been repeatedly brought to life as a comparative study—sometimes as drawings, other times as sculptures. These reinterpretations place the audience in close interaction with every stage of the artwork's creation.

The message of this piece is universal: a global warning to all people living on this planet, regardless of their differences. Only 89 seconds remain until disaster!