There are hidden truths in mythology about the past nations, their adventures, struggles, wars, victories, defeats, and love stories. This artwork is inspired by some of the most famous love stories in Persian literature about legendary lovers some of whom succeeded joining their loves and some didn’t.
In the cycle of destiny such is the way
That one is handed a cup of wine
And another a cup of bitter blood
The paintings by Mehdi Ghanbeigy showcased in this year’s Persian Garden are open interpretations from the epic works of Hakim Ferdowsi and Hakim Nezami Ganjavi, two of the most influential Persian poets.
SZ’s 3rd Annual ‘Persian Garden’ is an exhibit that tells culturally rich stories of Persian culture through contemporary and classically-influenced pieces. Monir & Mehdi Ghanbeigy from Iran have created multimedia artwork together since 1970, combining Mehdi’s detailed work with Persian miniatures and painting, Monir’s background in ceramics and pottery, and their mutual love and appreciation for the history of Persian art.
A Persian miniature is a richly detailed miniature painting which depicts religious or mythological themes from the region of the Middle East now known as Iran. The art of miniature painting in Persia flourished from the 13th through the 16th centuries, and continues to this day, with several contemporary artists producing notable Persian miniatures. These delicate, lush paintings are typically visually stunning, with a level of detail which can only be achieved with a very fine hand and an extremely small brush.
In their last year exhibition, their work greets us in the form of long scrolls of silhouetted women surrounded by calligraphy. Each painting is made of one idea with four elements: woman, flower, cage, and bird. The flower represents beauty and innocence whereas the bird represents freedom. But the meaning of Ghanbeigy’s work is even more profound. Monir explains that society puts innocents into cages, just like birds and woman. Cages are depicted as either chains at the feet of each woman or red dots, which act as pins holding women to the ground. This is a reminder to not ignore women, treat them with respect, and there will be peace in this world.
In Persian Garden 2017, Monir and Mehdi presented vibrant sculptures, decorative plates, and traditional Persian miniature, with a modern bent, enraptured the audience. Each sculpture, plate, panel, and vase had its own unique history due to their collaborative and intricate experimentation process .