It was planned months ahead and still... the exhibition on Iranian art opened at Osborne Samuel Gallery in London in the midst of the politcal contest in Iran, as a sign something is happening there... It is a very catching exhibition where I had to step back from my first interpretations and put aside, as much as it is possible to do, my western mindset to engage with the artists ...Morteza Dareghbaghi piece is pleasing and yet succeed the create a real mystic atmosphere which led to contemplation and meditation.
Sadegh Tirakan fighters left me a strange impression. I first thought I was watching gays boys love playing ... and discovered later that the photographies were refering to the religion and fighting tradition in Iran. So long for stereotypes...