LEILA EHTESHAM
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Gonbad, 2017
Grasses, recycled paper, natural hydraulic lime, sand, cement
​Site-specific installation
​

Gonbad was constructed from bricks made by hand from compressed grass and recycled paper pulp.  The mortar holding the bricks together was a combination of natural hydraulic lime and sand. The grasses where harvested from Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden where Gonbad was on display outdoors for three months. At the end of the exhibit the bricks were added to the garden's compost pile. ​

The word "gonbad" means dome in persian. Both the title and the structure's form were inspired by traditional Iranian building techniques. The environmental impact of the piece was also fundamental to it's design. 
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Gonbad, view from inside
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Gonbad against the conservatory at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
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Gonbad under construction
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Shredding orchard grass
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Mixing pulp for bricks
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Press:
​ VA Museum of Fine Arts, Sept 2017
Richmond Magazine, May 2017
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  • Work
    • River City Reflections
    • Gonbad
    • Shelter
    • Beach
  • About
  • CV
  • Contact