Shahriar Ahmadi | "The Great War": +2 [Deh-Vanak]

+2 is proud to announce “The Great War”, a solo exhibition of works by Shahriar Ahmadi, opening on Friday, February 28, 2025, and on display through March 14.

 

Curated by Marco Meneguzzo, “The Great War” features Shahriar Ahmadi’s works on two surfaces: large-scale canvases and smaller paper pieces. In this collection, Ahmadi explores the contrast between two grand forces, presenting a visual narrative of an epic event. At times, the artist leans toward figuration, while at other times, he opts for abstraction. In the monumental two-panel piece “Hurry to Salvation” (2014), he employs the general depiction of a horse form to hint at speed and latent power. In his paper works, we witness the repetitive disintegration of chaotic forms. While the composition of most forms and the artist’s use of lines and brushstrokes picture a space filled with tension and conflict, the frequent use of the color blue, the symbol of the cross, and Persian calligraphy in small frames evoke a special atmosphere and bring balance to the intensity of energy present in the works.

 

Shahriar Ahmadi (b. 1979, Kermanshah, Iran) initially practiced calligraphy as a self-taught artist. His professional career began in 1993 when he entered the Visual Arts High School for Boys in Kermanshah. He first showcased his works in a group exhibition in 1996. He completed his Bachelor's degree in 1997 and his Master's degree in 2001 at the University of Art, both in Painting. In 1995, he won First Prize at the Environmental Painting Competition in Japan, and in 2007, he was among the winners at the Fourth Painting Biennale of the World of Islam. 

To date, he has held more than 15 solo exhibitions and participated in over 150 group exhibitions. In 2015, he took part in the Venice Biennale, and in 2021, he was recognized as one of the Top 500 artists worldwide by Artprice. In 2016, the luxury brand Valentino showcased two of Shahriar Ahmadi's paintings on the walls of their runway during their winter show at Paris Fashion Week.

 

His paintings, often executed on large canvases, have been showcased at numerous art fairs, sold at prominent auction houses, and are part of private and public collections, including several museums. 

Numerous articles about the artist's work have been published in international and domestic publications such as The New York Times, Canvas, Bazaar, and Essential. The book "Shahriar Ahmadi", with works selected by Professor Marco Meneguzzo, a renowned historian and professor at the University of Milan, was published by Skira Publishing. The names of several distinguished critics and writers from around the world are featured in this book.

 

Shahriar Ahmadi is considered one of the pioneering and influential painters of his generation. He currently works and lives in Jahanshahr, Karaj, Iran.