Group Presentation: The Armory Show 2023

At The Armory Show 2023, Dastan presents works by fourteen Iranian artists with approaches ranging from the poetic to the political, creating multi-faceted narratives over contemporary Iranian society's complex structures and workings. 

The presentation features work by multiple generations of renowned artists, such as Reza Aramesh (b. 1970), Andisheh Avini (b. 1974), Homa Delvaray (b. 1980), Mehdi Ghadyanloo (b.1981), Hoda Kashiha (b. 1986), Farrokh Mahdavi (b. 1970), Nicky Nodjoumi (b. 1941), Asal Peirovi (b. 1985), Sepand Danesh (b. 1985), Mamali Shafahi (b. 1982), and Reza Shafahi (b. 1940), as well as the late Ardeshir Mohasses (1938-2008), Behjat Sadr (1924-2009), and Mohsen Vaziri-Moghaddam (1924-2018).  

The presentation aims to host diverse perspectives, styles, techniques, and approaches, covering a broad spectrum of ideas and themes to delve into the intricate tapestry of contemporary Iranian society, weaving together narratives that unfold from multiple angles. In the face of numerous challenges and impediments, artistic expression aims to transcend geographical borders, resonating powerfully on an international level, thereby highlighting the universal language of art. 

Dastan’s booth includes the sharply-toned drawings of the late Ardeshir Mohassess, Nicky Nodjoumi's astute political commentaries, and Reza Aramash's exploration of individualism. It puts together the caricatured figures of Sepand Danesh alongside Homa Delvaray's incisive critique of superstitions and traditions and Andisheh Avini's ingenious marquetry masks.

Also showcased are Reza Shafahi's witty cultural observations, cleverly conveyed through a blend of sarcasm and innocence. Alongside his father, Mamali Shafahi delivers a visual feast adorned with hidden chimeras that defy categorization in his works. Behjat Sadr’s geometrically layered abstractions, Farrokh Mahdavi's captivatingly distorted portraits, Mehdi Ghadyanloo’s vibrant urban sceneries, Mohsen Vaziri-Moghddam's abstract reflections on motion and stillness, and Asal Peirovi's evocative travel diaries contribute further layers to the narrative. Moreover, Hoda Kashiha's dreamlike sequences challenge temporal boundaries, while satirical interpretations of contemporaries add a whimsical finale to the collection.