Tehran-based artist Shirin Aliabadi "Miss Hybrid" series features scarved women with colored contacts, peroxide wigs and bandaged noses (a hint at recent plastic surgery) is a commentary on the globalization of beauty standards and the ruthless quest for female perfection.
"Miss Hybrid 3" (2008) by Shirin Aliabadi —
Tehran-based artist Shirin Aliabadi "Miss Hybrid" series features scarved women with colored contacts, peroxide wigs and bandaged noses (a hint at recent plastic surgery) is a commentary on the globalization of beauty standards and the ruthless quest for female perfection.
Courtesy Shirin Aliabadi/Mohammed Afkhami Foundation
Rokni Haerizadeh, who was born and raised in Tehran, now lives and works in Dubai with his brother Ramin, also an artist. The two have been living there in self-imposed exile since 2009, when they were targeted by the Iran's Ministry of Islamic Culture and Guidance.
"We Will Join Hands in Love and Rebuild Our Country" (2012) by Rokni Haerizadeh —
Rokni Haerizadeh, who was born and raised in Tehran, now lives and works in Dubai with his brother Ramin, also an artist. The two have been living there in self-imposed exile since 2009, when they were targeted by the Iran's Ministry of Islamic Culture and Guidance.
Courtesy Rokni Haerizadeh/Mohammed Afkhami Foundation
In his "Terrorist" silkscreen series, Khosrow Hassanzadeh sought to challenge reductive stereotypes by depicting himself (seen here) and his family members as terrorists. Each work is shown with information about the sitter, including their age, profession and personal history.
"Terrorist: Khosrow" (2004) by Khosrow Hassanzadeh —
In his "Terrorist" silkscreen series, Khosrow Hassanzadeh sought to challenge reductive stereotypes by depicting himself (seen here) and his family members as terrorists. Each work is shown with information about the sitter, including their age, profession and personal history.
Courtesy Khosrow Hassanzadeh/Mohammed Afkhami Foundation
Ali Banisadr was born in Tehran, but moved to San Diego with his family when he was 12. His work blurs the line between the abstract and figurative.
"We Haven't Landed on Earth Yet" (2012) by Ali Banisadr —
Ali Banisadr was born in Tehran, but moved to San Diego with his family when he was 12. His work blurs the line between the abstract and figurative.
Ali Banisadr/Jeffrey Sturges/Mohammed Afkhami Foundation
In Morteza Ahmadvand's "Becoming" installation, three screens project animations of Jewish, Christian and Muslim symbols morphing into spheres similar to the one positioned between the screens.
"Becoming" (2015) by Morteza Ahmadvand —
In Morteza Ahmadvand's "Becoming" installation, three screens project animations of Jewish, Christian and Muslim symbols morphing into spheres similar to the one positioned between the screens.
Courtesy Morteza Ahmadvand/Mehdi Zahmatkesh/Mohammed Afkhami Foundation
Nazgol Ansarinia's resin pillars are a reference to the neo-classical architectural columns preferred by Iran's nouveau riche. The inscriptions are quotes from the Iranian constitution related to socio-economic issues.
"Pillars: Article 47" (2015) by Nazgol Ansarinia —
Nazgol Ansarinia's resin pillars are a reference to the neo-classical architectural columns preferred by Iran's nouveau riche. The inscriptions are quotes from the Iranian constitution related to socio-economic issues.
Courtesy Nazgol Ansarinia/Green Art Gallery, Dubai