NOW AND TEN

PROPERTY FROM
A EUROPEAN PRIVATE COLLECTION
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ROKNI HAERIZADEH
(IRANIAN, B. 1978)
Typical Iranian Funeral
signed and titled in Farsi, signed and dated ‘2008 Rokni haeri’
(on the reverse of the right panel)
oil on canvas; in two parts
each: 78æ x 118¿in. (200 x 300cm.);
overall: 78æ x 236ºin. (200 x 600cm.)
Painted in 2008
US$40,000-60,000
AED150,000-220,000
PROVENANCE:
Wedel Fine Art, London.
Acquired from the above by the present owner in 2008.
EXHIBITED:
London, Saatchi Gallery, Unveiled: New Art from the Middle East, 2009
(illustrated in colour, pp. 50-53).
The Iranian artist Rokni Haerizadeh takes great pride in depicting the scenes
that refect upon memories of his homeland. Born in Tehran at the time of the
Islamic Revolution when much of the rituals and customs were banned and
forced to alter, the rich cultural landscape and traditions of his native country
have not only been of great sentimental value, but also remained a vital source
for his creativity. Using it as a pool of abundant inspiration, ceremonies, rituals,
customs and landscapes from his hometown serve as the subject matter for
his paintings. Having been widely represented through prestigious galleries
in both solo and group shows around the world, as well as strongly present
through numerous biennales, the artist has become a treasured and sought
after artistic observer of his Middle Eastern culture.
What diferentiates Haerizadeh’s style from the rest of his contemporaries
is the unusual modesty of his visual language. The depictions of his fgures
remain humorous and light, the canvas acting as a platform for the release of
his creative energies. Filling the picture plane with curious perspectives and
unusual proportions, Haerizadeh transforms the simplicity of fgural shapes
and paints them with confdent artistic direction. These dynamic silhouettes
are laced not only with a strong sense of spirit but are instilled with the artist’s
vibrant energy. With great enthusiasm, Haerizadeh creates a wonderful
feeling of freedom and movement across his canvases, transporting the viewer
into the heart of the Iranian way of life.
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