Visual Dialogues | The Book of Kings | Shirin Neshat & Fereydoun Ave | March 2019
Secret of Words
Mehran Mohajer & Sadegh Tirafkan
November 2006
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Total Arts Gallery at the Courtyard and Massoud Nader Present exhibition of Photography by Sadegh Tirafkan with support of Silk Road Gallery this exhibition is accompanied by photographs of Mehran Mohajer Sadegh Tirafkan is a persevering artist who navigates through time and culture in search of his place and identity as an Iranian man in the contemporary world. The medium of photography has become his main platform to construct powerful visual plays, using a combination of elements that he seasons sufficiently with symbolism.
The significance of symbolism throughout Tirafkan’s body of work comes from his Persian root in which direct dialogue is rarely used, but frequently replaced by symbolic languages. How do you inform a culture that has three thousand years of history, rich in tradition and essentially a homogenous and male dominated society? Tirafkan expresses his concerns through images of numerous self-portraits and portraits of friends. He once said, "I began photography by recording what surrounded me. Now I take what is around me in the studio and make it into what I see through the prism of my life and culture." Tirafkan poses himself and others in the studio time after time to explore the meaning of being a contemporary Iranian. Blending tradition, history and memory, he recreates visually compelling scenes that build visceral connection to his ancient country. And this is where the strength and beauty of Tirafkan's work lie.
In reinventing and revisiting Iranian tradition he is also criticizing and challenging his ancestors' long-standing authority. In spite the highly eloquent appearances; I see two hidden trends in his work, which the artist has perhaps introduced even without realizing it: a theatrical staging of all the historic drama of his country, all the painful events of which he experienced intensely, and a discreet journey towards a spirituality which emanates from his whole vision. Here, Tirafkan surreptitiously rejoins the mystical quest which remains, whether we like it or not, the key-stone of any metaphysical edifice of the Iranian world. Born in Iran in 1965, Tirafkan trained as a photographer at the University of Fine Arts in Tehran. Since the late 1990’s he has participated in numerous solo exhibitions and group shows, in Tehran, Paris and New York.
Tirafkan’s work offers an eloquent meditation on modern Iranian man’s relationship to his past and on his search for a meaningful identity in the present. Identity, history and memory have been central concerns in the work of non-western artists since the era of colonialism. Tirafkan, frequently using himself as a model, revisits and reinvents these themes in his series of enigmatic yet visually compelling photographs. He uses words and symbols to communicate with the audience and
Abstract & Lanscape
Mohseni Kermanshahi
February 2005
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A. Mohseni was born in 1960, in Kermanshah west of Iran. He started painting with Master Rahim Navesi before moving to Tehran. He held his first one-man show in 1994 and has come a long way from his humble beginnings. Landscape, traditional life and nature were always his main subjects to paint and after moving to UAE he found this passion in the local scenery. T
his exhibition would be an exceptional one in Mohseni’s career since he is entering a new period after 10 years of professionally painting landscapes and still life witch is still the close to Mohseni’s heart in a different way. Mohseni has participated in more than 40 solo and group exhibitions in Iran including Tehran Contemporary Art Museum, Australia, Kuwait and the UAE. Mohseni has won a special award from Tehran Contemporary Art Museum as the best Artist of the year in 1996. Mohseni has published 2 books, which are: 1. Nature in the painting of Abdol Hossein Mohseni 2. Painting of Abdol Hossein Mohsenis He is working on two new books at present.
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Limited Edition Prints & Rare Signed Posters
​About the artists:
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Robert Rauschenberg pushed the boundaries of traditional printmaking by blending photography, painting, and found images. His innovative use of mixed media in prints reflected his broader artistic philosophy, where he sought to blur the lines between different art forms. His works often featured layered compositions, combining elements of pop culture with abstract expressionism, creating a dynamic visual language that challenged the viewer's perception.
Andy Warhol, a central figure of the Pop Art movement, revolutionized the art of printmaking with his iconic silkscreens. Warhol’s prints of celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and consumer products like Campbell’s Soup cans are among the most recognizable artworks of the 20th century. By producing these images in series, Warhol explored themes of mass production, consumerism, and the commodification of art. His approach to limited edition prints was both a commentary on and a reflection of the industrial age, where repetition and replication were key aspects of modern life.
Joan Mitchell, while not a Pop artist, was a leading figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement. Her prints are celebrated for their vibrant colors and expressive brushwork, capturing the emotional intensity that defined her paintings. Mitchell’s work in printmaking allowed her to explore the nuances of color and form on a more intimate scale, creating pieces that were both powerful and lyrical.
Jasper Johns is known for his innovative use of familiar symbols such as flags, numbers, and targets, which he infused with layers of meaning through his printmaking. His prints often employ a subtle palette and textured surfaces, inviting viewers to reconsider the ordinary and explore the boundaries between abstraction and representation. John's; approach to limited edition prints reflects his broader artistic exploration of perception, context, and the role of symbols in art.
Cy Twombly's prints are distinguished by their spontaneous, gestural marks that evoke a sense of raw emotion and poetic expression. His work often features scribbles, calligraphic lines, and text, creating a visual language that is both personal and universal. Twombly’s limited edition prints capture the essence of his large-scale paintings on a more intimate scale, maintaining the intensity and immediacy of his signature style.
David Hockney has made significant contributions to the world of printmaking, particularly through his use of color and innovative techniques. Known for his vibrant landscapes, portraits, and explorations of space and perspective, Hockney’s prints are characterized by their bright, bold colors and a sense of clarity and precision. His work in printmaking, including the use of technology like the iPad, has continually pushed the medium forward, making his limited editions highly sought after.
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Robert Motherwell was a key figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement, and his prints are celebrated for their powerful use of form and color. Motherwell’s work often explores themes of existentialism, with bold shapes and a striking contrast between black and white. His limited-edition prints, like his paintings, convey a deep emotional resonance, reflecting his philosophical approach to art and his interest in the unconscious.
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Charles Hossein Zenderoudi is a pioneer of modern Iranian art, known for his integration of traditional Persian calligraphy with abstract forms. His limited edition prints often feature bold, rhythmic compositions that reflect his deep connection to cultural heritage while embracing modern artistic techniques. Zenderoudi's work explores themes of identity, spirituality, and the fusion of past and present, making his prints both visually striking and intellectually profound.
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S.H. Raza is celebrated for his vibrant use of color and geometric abstraction, rooted in Indian spirituality and symbolism. His prints are characterized by the recurring motif of the "Bindu," a circle representing the point of origin and the seed of life. Raza's work in printmaking translates his deep philosophical inquiries into visually compelling compositions, inviting viewers to engage with the spiritual and metaphysical dimensions of his art.
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