Tradition vs. Modernity in ‘Dialectic’

The paintings of Amir Reza Faqihi, a mix of Persian miniature elements and those of modern industry, are displayed at Farmanfarma Gallery in Tehran.

Dubbed “Dialectic” the exhibit features 13 pieces created in acrylic and ink, Honaronline reported.

Faqihi began his career in painting with Persian miniature and other traditional Iranian styles, and this is his first solo exhibition not wholly dedicated to miniature. However, the works are still heavily influenced by it.

Elaborating on the title of his show Faqihi said that confrontation of tradition and modernity has always been his concern in art.

“We all have traditional roots that we are  dependent on. Traditional root is usually at war with modernity. Some adapt themselves others don’t. Those who find it hard to create some sort of balance between the two may face an identity crisis.”

The background of one of the displayed works looks like a pile of once beautiful tiles used in a bathroom which are now worn off and have lost the gloss and color after extensive use while in the foreground big rusty pipes are seen.  Another work depicts a miniature sparrow heavily camouflaged in the surrounding brownish-orange rusty pipes and big cogs.

The works will be on show until August 17 at the gallery located at No. 2, A’rabi Alley, N. Kheradmand Street, Karimkhan Ave.