Massoud Arabshahi was a vital contributor to Iranian contemporary art. He bridged the gap between ancient artistic traditions and modern artistic expression.
My Journey Through Relief and Canvas.
I was born in the bustling streets of Tehran on September 19, 1935. From there, I moved to the quiet solitude of my studio. My life has been a relentless exploration of form, symbol, and the enduring power of ancient narratives.
My path was not a straight line. It was a winding journey through the depths of history. I explored the boundless possibilities of artistic expression.
My earliest artistic inclination was nurtured under the watchful eye of Mahmoud Olya, a student of the revered Kamalolmolk. He instilled in me the foundations of painting, the delicate dance of light and shadow, and the power of observation. Later, at the College of Decorative Arts at Tehran University, under the guidance of Shokouh Riazi, my horizons expanded. It was here, midst the academic rigor. There was a vibrant exchange of ideas. I first encountered the captivating allure of ancient motifs.
The myths of Iran and Mesopotamia became my obsession. I explored the rich tapestry of the Sassanian and Achaemenid periods. I was drawn to the powerful symbolism embedded in their art. The lotus, the tree of life, the sun’s circular dance – these were not mere decorations, but profound expressions of humanity’s connection to the cosmos. My fascination extended to the rituals of Assyria and Sumer, where the echoes of ancient ceremonies resonated across millennia.
The transition from canvas to three-dimensional form was a natural progression. Pottery workshops at the Ministry of Culture and Art provided the tools. However, it was my own hands that molded the clay. I transformed it into bas-relief sculptures that spoke of a time long past. Concrete, steel, bronze, gypsum, copper, and ceramics became my mediums, each possessing its unique texture and character.
My first exhibition of these prominent sculptures at the University of Tehran in 1965 marked a pivotal moment. It was a declaration of my artistic vision, a blending of ancient inspiration with a distinctly modern sensibility. The Saqqakhaneh movement, with its embrace of traditional Iranian motifs, provided a fertile ground for my explorations. However, I sought to transcend the confines of any single movement, to create a visual language that resonated beyond cultural boundaries.
My paintings, too, evolved beyond the two-dimensional. I experimented with metal rings, bronze plates, gypsum, thread, and rope, transforming the canvas into a textured landscape. Materials were not merely tools, but active participants in the creation process, shaping the visual structure and imbuing the work with a tangible presence.
Geometric patterns, spirals, mandalas, and cosmic diagrams became recurring motifs, reflecting my fascination with the underlying order of the universe. Ambiguous and fluid shapes, mythical figures, and engineered forms coexisted, creating a visual dialogue that was both complex and captivating. Volumetric and expressive coloring, alongside linear drawings and delicate designs, showcased the breadth of my artistic vocabulary.
My works found their way into exhibitions across Iran, Europe, and the United States. From the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art to the Barbican Centre in London, my art was shared with a wider audience, sparking conversations and inviting contemplation. I worked in Tehran, Paris, and California, each location leaving its mark on my creative spirit.
Looking back, I see a life dedicated to the pursuit of artistic truth. I sought to bridge the gap between the past and the present, to illuminate the enduring power of ancient symbols and narratives. My legacy is not merely the works I created, but the spirit of exploration and innovation that guided my hand.
On September 13, 2019, I closed my eyes, leaving behind a diverse and creative body of work. My art, I hope, will continue to inspire, to challenge, and to remind us of the timeless beauty and enduring power of the human imagination.
Massoud Arabshahi left behind diverse and creative works for the city of Tehran. He closed his eyes to the world on September 13, 2019. His art remains a unique treasure for Iranian art.
Born: September 11, 1935, Tehran, Iran
Died: September 16, 2019 (age 84 years)
By Meamar . Fundament in Future | Massoud Arabshahi . Private Collection California. meamarali@gmail.com
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