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Untitled

  • Creation date1962
  • Dimensions96.0 x 72.0 cm

Massoud Arabshahi (1935-2019): Iranian painter & sculptor of the Saqqakhaneh movement. Conceptual art blending ancient Persian motifs with modern styles.

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Total Price

$ 63

reproduction

Untitled

Giclée / Art Print

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$ 63

Collectible Description

In this period, Arabshahi was interested in combining elements of Iran’s ancient, pre-Islamic arts with the technological advances being pushed through under the banner of nation-building. Rather than focus on a specific era or civilization, the artist drew loosely from Babylonian, Achaemenid and Assyrian sources. His works are often divided into rows in the style of ancient frieze reliefs. Cuneiform markings are evoked by the pseudo-script that is just visible behind the figures. Ancient motifs such as the rosette—a circle with spokes—or the disk symbolizing the solar deity Shamash appear frequently in Arabshahi’s paintings. Moreover, the artist’s use of prints, multiple paint layers, loose brushstrokes, and the selective application of metallic paints combine to lend the work the surface texture and air of an artifact. At the same time, many of the archaizing elements of the work double as references to a futuristic, technologically driven future. The metallic paints evoke metal surfaces. The stiff, featureless figures in the paintings look more like robots than people, and the composition’s stacked layers seem to embed them in factory assembly lines or large, cog-driven machines.

Artist Biography

Massoud Arabshahi: A Pioneer of Iranian Conceptual Art

Early Life and Education

Massoud Arabshahi (Persian: مسعود عربشاهی; 1935 – 2019) was born in Tehran, Iran, during the Pahlavi dynasty. He demonstrated an early aptitude for the arts, attending the Public High School for Fine Arts in Tehran to hone his skills. His formal artistic training continued at the College of Decorative Arts at Tehran University (now University of Art), where he studied painting under the guidance of Shokouh Riazi and graduated in 1968.

Artistic Influences and Development

Arabshahi’s artistic vision was deeply rooted in Iran's rich historical heritage. He drew significant inspiration from ancient civilizations, including Achaemenid and Assyrian art, as well as the carvings and inscriptions of Babylonian culture. This fascination with antiquity wasn’t merely imitative; Arabshahi skillfully blended these traditional elements with modern artistic sensibilities, creating a unique style that bridged the past and present.

The Saqqakhaneh Movement

Arabshahi became a leading member of the Saqqakhaneh movement, a significant Iranian art trend emerging in the 1960s. This movement, characterized by its populist themes and use of traditional motifs, sought to create an authentically Iranian modern art. Arabshahi’s conceptual approach distinguished him within this group, pushing boundaries and exploring new artistic territories.

Artistic Practice and Major Works

Arabshahi worked across various mediums throughout his career, including:

  • Oil paint-on-canvas: Creating evocative paintings that often explored themes of Iranian identity and history.
  • Architectural bas-reliefs: Commissioned for prominent buildings, these works brought monumental art into public spaces. Notable commissions include those for the Office for Industry and Mining in Tehran (1971) and the California Insurance Building in Santa Rosa, California (1985).
  • Sculptures: Expanding his artistic expression beyond two-dimensional forms.

Establishing Artistic Spaces

Arabshahi played a pivotal role in fostering Iran’s art scene. In 1964, he co-founded the Iran Gallery (Talar-e Iran), alongside other prominent artists like Mansoor Ghandriz and Faramarz Pilaram. Following Ghandriz's death in 1966, the gallery was renamed Ghandriz Gallery and remained a vital hub for Iranian art until the Iranian Revolution in 1978. He also co-founded the Group of Free Painters and Sculptors in 1975.

Exhibitions and Recognition

Arabshahi’s work was exhibited extensively both within Iran and internationally, including:

  • Two Modernist Iranian Pioneers, Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art (2001)
  • Iranian Contemporary Art, Barbican Centre, London (2001)

He received several awards throughout his career, including prizes from the 4th Tehran Biennial (1964) and Monaco International Exhibition (1973).

Legacy and Historical Significance

Massoud Arabshahi’s contribution to Iranian art lies in his ability to synthesize tradition and modernity, creating a body of work that is both deeply rooted in Iranian culture and universally relevant. His conceptual approach and commitment to artistic innovation cemented his position as a significant figure in the Saqqakhaneh movement and beyond. He passed away on September 16, 2019, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike.

Massoud Arabshahi

Massoud Arabshahi

1935 - 2019 , Iran

Quick Facts

  • Birth Date: 1935
  • Birth Place: Tehran, Iran
  • Death Date: 2019-09-16
  • Influenced By:
    • Achaemenid art
    • Assyrian art
    • Babylonian carvings
  • Movement: Saqqakhaneh movement
  • Name: Massoud Arabshahi
  • Nationality: Iranian
  • Notable Works:
    • Architectural bas-reliefs (Tehran)
    • California Insurance Building sculpture
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