Meem Gallery and Mehrnoush Fatholahi present a joint exhibition displaying the work of Iran's leading contemporary artists Pooya Aryanpour (b. 1971, Tehran) and Morteza Darehbaghi (b. 1969, Tehran). Both artists studied at Azad University in Tehran and have held exhibitions in Iran, UAE, UK and US. Aryanpour's recent work explores the rotation of fluid circular forms which taper off into sharp edged points, which he describes as 'cutting objects,' while tradition and symbols from religious rituals are constant sources of inspiration for Darehbaghi.

Pooya Aryanpour

Born 1971, Tehran, Iran
Pooya Aryanpour received his diploma from the Plastic Arts School, Tehran, in 1993, and went on to study at Azad University in Tehran where he graduated with a BA and MA in Painting in 1997 and 1999. He has held seven solo exhibitions to date at Aun Gallery, Tehran, 2009; Niavaran Cultural Center, Tehran, 2007; Cerindipity Gallery, Stockholm, 2004; Golestan Gallery, Tehran, 2003; and Barg Gallery, Tehran, 1994, 1997, and 2000. Aryanpour has also participated in numerous group exhibitions in Iran, Turkey, Kuwait, UAE, China, Switzerland, France, UK and US.
Aryanpour first started painting 'as a means of escaping the mundane academic atmosphere of the educational system.' His work is defined by the use of abstract forms inspired by the rhythmic fluidity of calligraphy, executed in opaque and translucent white and set against darker shades of red and black. His more recent work explores the rotation of fluid circular forms which taper off into sharp edged points, what the artists describes as 'cutting objects.' According to Aryanpour, he begins each of his paintings 'with a sound' and knows 'a work is complete when it finds its own life, at which point I prefer to conceal the intentions behind my interpretations and allow viewers to analyse my paintings and draw their own conclusions.'

Morteza Darehbaghi

Born 1969, Tehran, Iran
Morteza Darehbaghi received his diploma from the Plastic Arts School, Tehran, in 1991 and went on to study at Azad University, where he received a BA Honours in Art in 1995. To date, he has held twenty-two solo exhibitions including Etemad Gallery, Tehran, 2009; Niavaran Cultural Center, Tehran, 2007; Hermitage Gallery, Washington, DC, 2005; Rica Gallery, Stockholm, 2004; Golestan Gallery, Tehran, 2002; and Seyhoun Gallery, Tehran, 2004; and Majlis Gallery, Dubai, 2001, 2005 and 2007. Darehbaghi has also participated in group exhibitions in Iran, UAE, Italy, UK, and US. His awards include First Place at the Third Islam World Biennial, Tehran, 2004; Fourth Biennial of Painting, Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, 2004; First Place, First National Student Exhibition, Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, 1993; and the Second International Flower and Plant Exhibition, Tehran, 1993.
Darehbaghi's early work displays an engagement with nature and past traditions and civilisations, reflected in his use of fretwork, figures inspired by Persian painting and geometrical patterns. He has noted the unique position of contemporary artists in Iran, stating: 'The younger generation of artists, who have experienced myriad social upheavals, war and crises, are currently trying to realise their ideas. Aware of the magnificent art of the past, this generation attempt to elucidate their ideals.'
Tradition and symbols from religious rituals permeate Darehbaghi's paintings and are constant sources of inspiration for the artist: 'My childhood, along with sacred ceremonies, is responsible for my present creativity, which seeks a way to link the past to the future.'