Endjavi-Barbé Art Projects The exhibition of Contemporary Iranian Calligraphy ‘Words Unveiled - Mots Dévoilés’

"Calligraphy, considered as the most beautiful of artistic expressions, was traditionally related to the depiction of beauty intrinsic to Creation. Some even attributed it to a divine origin. Moreover, in spite of the fact that it allowed a large freedom of form and infinite variations, it was an extremely codified art with strict and complicated rules, which needed to be mastered to achieve perfection, to some extent much like Western painting until the great rupture leading to modern art. The adoption of western-style modern art at the beginning of the 20th century lead, in Iran as well as elsewhere, to an initial abandonment of traditional modes of expression such as calligraphy. However, beginning in the sixties and since the development of the saqqa-khaneh movement which promoted reference to the modern art movements of other countries, this art has been resurrected in new forms. In fact, it is less the return to old styles than a contemporary re-interpretation and re-appropriation. It aims to create an aesthetic which speakes to modern tastes yet is still firmly anchored in history. This exhibition successfully demonstrates this evolution without ambiguity." (Silvia Naef, University of Geneva)

Alireza Astaneh

Holy Lands by Alireza Astaneh / 170x140 cm, Dyptique, Mixed media on canvas, 2012 / Courtesy of Endjavi-Barbé Art Projects

Mohamad Bozorgi

Fascination by Mohamad Bozorgi / 150x220 cm, Mixed media on canvas, 2012 / Courtesy of Endjavi-Barbé Art Projects

Habib Farajabadi

Untitled by Habib Farajabadi / 180x150 cm, Acrylic on canvas, 2012 / Courtesy of Endjavi-Barbé Art Projects

Abolfazi Shahi

Don't sleep naked on me - it is not good by Abolfazi Shahi / 220x120 cm, Cotton and natural dye, 2012 / Courtesy of Endjavi-Barbé Art Projects

Behrouz Zindashti

Prayers for a prosperous life 4 by Behrouz Zindasht / 150x150 cm, Ink on silver leaf, 2011 / Courtesy of Endjavi-Barbé Art Projects

For more information please visit the website of Endjavi-Barbé Art Projects