“Iran Inside Out,” at the Chelsea Art Museum (556 West 22nd Street, Chelsea, 212-255-0719, chelseaartmuseum.org) through Sept. 5
The image above is from the third Iranian art exhibition I have read about in the span of a week. Last week also debuted two Iranian shows, back to back: The first being ‘Made in Iran‘ co-organised by Arianne Levene, showcasing at Asia House followed by ‘In a different light‘ which opened at Osbourne Samuel Gallery in Mayfair. Both shows have some powerful pieces, which depict a certain specific cultural heritage. Indian art on the contrary for example, deals in myopinion with more universal themes, and are not as directly patriotic. The works I have seen, seem to me to show a sense of liberation or attempt at breaking free from a past. The history of Iran is in itself unique, as is it’s current political situation. These artists find themselves producing work within this environment, and this does eventually show through, however I do feel as though the prime root behind the work is that they want at the end of it all to educate; to make those outside of their home country aware, of it’s strengths, it’s weaknesses, its power, its spirituality and most of all it’s essence.
Dakhil (Image 1), 2003
Installation
Green fluorescent lamps, plexiglass & glass thread.
200.0 x 200.0 x 200.0 cm (78¾ x 78¾ x 78¾ inches)
