Meem Gallery and Mehrnoush Fatholahi are pleased to present the opening of a joint exhibition displaying the work of Iran’s leading contemporary artists Pooya Aryanpour and Morteza Darehbaghi on 22 February. The gallery will be producing an exhibition catalogue for the event.
POOYA ARYANPOUR
Pooya Aryanpour (b. 1971, Tehran) received his diploma from the Plastic Arts School, Tehran, in 1993, and went on to study at Azad University in Tehran where he graduated with a BA and MA in
Painting in 1997 and 1999. He has held seven solo exhibitions to date at Aun Gallery, Tehran, 2009;
Niavaran Cultural Center, Tehran, 2007; Cerindipity Gallery, Stockholm, 2004; Golestan Gallery,
Tehran, 2003; and Barg Gallery, Tehran, 1994, 1997, and 2000. Aryanpour has also participated in
numerous group exhibitions in Iran, Turkey, Kuwait, UAE, China, Switzerland, France, UK and US.
Aryanpour’s first started painting ‘as a means of escaping the mundane academic atmosphere of the
educational system.’ His work is defined by the use of abstract forms inspired by the rhythmic
fluidity of calligraphy, executed in opaque and translucent white and set against darker shades of red
and black. His more recent work explores the rotation of fluid circular forms which taper off into
sharp edged points, what the artists describes as ‘cutting objects.’ According to Aryanpour, he begins
each of his paintings ‘with a sound’ and knows ‘a work is complete when it finds its own life, at
which point I prefer to conceal the intentions behind my interpretations and allow viewers to analyse
my paintings and draw their own conclusions.’
MORTEZA DAREHBAGHI
Morteza Darehbaghi (b. 1969, Tehran) received his diploma from the Plastic Arts School, Tehran, in
1991 and went on to study at Azad University, where he received a BA Honours in Art in 1995. To
date, he has held twenty-two solo exhibitions including Etemad Gallery, Tehran, 2009; Niavaran
Cultural Center, Tehran, 2007; Hermitage Gallery, Washington, DC, 2005; Rica Gallery, Stockholm,
2004; Golestan Gallery, Tehran, 2002; and Seyhoun Gallery, Tehran, 2004; and Majlis Gallery, Dubai, 2001, 2005 and 2007. Darehbaghi has also participated in group exhibitions in Iran, UAE, Italy, UK, and US. His awards include First Place at the Third Islam World Biennial, Tehran, 2004; Fourth Biennial of Painting, Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, 2004; First Place, First National Student Exhibition, Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, 1993; and the Second International Flower and Plant Exhibition, Tehran, 1993.
Darehbaghi’s early work displays an engagement with nature and past traditions and civilisations, reflected in his use of fretwork, figures inspired by Persian painting and geometrical patterns. He has noted the unique position of contemporary artists in Iran stating: ‘The younger generation of artists, who have experienced myriad social upheavals, war and crises, are currently trying to realise their ideas. Aware of the magnificent art of the past, this generation attempt to elucidate their ideals.’ Tradition and symbols from religious rituals permeate Darehbaghi’s paintings and are constant sources of inspiration for the artist: ‘My childhood, along with sacred ceremonies, is responsible for my present creativity, which seeks a way to link the past to the future.’
