SALSALI PRIVATE MUSEUM A Solo Exhibition by Iranian Artist Reza Derkashani

Salsali Private Museum showing Derakshani Reza, Installation view / Courtesy of SPM

Renowned for his vibrant, richly-textured canvases, Derakshani draws inspiration from his Iranian heritage, while simultaneously exploring modern-day conceptual and philosophical preoccupations. Marrying a vivid colour palette with esoteric mediums such as tar and sand, Derakshani held his first solo exhibition at the age of nineteen and has since, gone on to captivate critics, collectors and art-lovers worldwide with his unique creations.

In his first solo show at SPM, a selection of Derakshani's renowned abstract-representational paintings are exhibited alongside new works and installations, specially commissioned by SPM. The artist’s minimal approach to Iranian history in its past and present form, is rendered here in large-scale fresco-esque works that confront, envelope and seduce the viewer.

In his new pieces, black and white predominate, colour is minimal and the works extend from wall to wall, dissolving into the space, inviting the viewer to linger and experience a full, sensory transformation with them. While continuing to reference traditional Persian iconography, his perception of light and dark lends itself to metaphorical explorations of identity and violence.

Derakshani’s story of Iran reveals subtle, symbolic shades of the social, philosophical and humanistic complexity of a tumultuous region, yet the songs of the nightingale and invigorating scent of rose shine through in his work, ensuring there in no dark without light. A master of challenging techniques, Derakshani’s dynamic and versatile artistic practice is inextricably linked to his sensory experience of the world.

Derakshani Reza, Titanic 1979, 2013 / Courtesy of SPM

'Titanic 1979' is from the Crown series, originally started with the birth of SPM. Refers to the sinking of a Dynasty, a culture and a civilization. The crown is a symbol of pride and historically people have been crowned for their achievements. The feeling behind this piece is a nation losing its pride on all fronts which is a fact of Reza’s homeland today. The verse of Hafiz on the right panel written in 13th century is about the same story of today.

Derakshani Reza, Passargad, 2013, Black sand installation on wall, 600x400 cm / Courtesy of SPM

Derakshani Reza, Passargad, 2013, Black sand installation on wall, 600x400 cm / Courtesy of SPM

'Passargad' is a scene from the Tomb of Cyrus II of Persia, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire. Passargad is in the dark surrounded by motifs resembling black snakes. Cyrus II was a great leader with strong human rights and freedom of expression commitments which are serious issues in our society today. It's executed with black sand from Dakota, USA directly on the walls.

Derakshani Reza, Hunting the Dust, 2012, Mixed Media on canvas, 450x130 cm / Courtesy of SPM

'Hunting the Dust' is from the private collection of HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This is the only work from the 'Hunting series' executed with sand from the U.A.E dessert and some other types of sand from the US. 'The Hunting' and 'Polo series' are based on Persian Miniatures.

Derakshani Reza, Untitled, 2013, Mixed Media on Persian Carpet, 150x200 cm / Courtesy of SPM

'Untitled' is a different approach to the Persian carpet, using an old carpet as canvas and turning the floral motives into human figures. Relates to the series called The circus of Life and is mostly in connection with the complexity of day to day life in Iran. Started in 2008, this is the only piece of the carpet series on display for the first time.

Salsali Private Museum showing Derakshani Reza, Installation view / Courtesy of SPM

Visit the Salsali Private Museum and don’t miss the chance to see the extraordinary works of this internationally acclaimed artist. The exhibition will be on display until July 2013.