Reza Aramesh Iranian, b. 1970

Reza Aramesh (b. 1970, Iran) focuses on photography and sculpture. He currently lives and works in London, a city he moved to at the age of 15. He received his MFA from Goldsmiths University, London (1997).

Working in photography, sculpture, video, and performance, Reza Aramesh’s understanding of the history of art, film, and literature is ever-present in his artwork. As a commentary on war reportage, for example, Aramesh takes images of violence appearing in newspapers, online articles, and social media out of their original context to explore the narratives of representation and iconography of subjected body apropos race, class, and sexuality. His work, as such, is a critical engagement with Western art history. 

He represented Iran at the 56th Edition of the Venice Biennale and has exhibited worldwide including the UK, France, China, USA, Dubai, and Iran. He has orchestrated several performances and exhibitions in institutions including the Barbican Centre, Tate Britain, and ICA, London. Other projects have been staged in public squares, nightclubs, and industrial warehouses.