By Monir & Mehdi Ghanbeigi
Ceramic (MMG015)
44cm D
The shape of this plate is inspired by Nishabour (a historical city in Northeastern Iran) and Samarkand (a historical city in Uzbekistan) pottery in 1,200 A.D. The painting shows Anahita, the goddess of water and rain in ancient Iran (6,000 B.C.). Many Anahita temples were made in centuries, some of which are still present in Iran. Pigeon is a symbol of peace and innocence.
‘Persian Garden’ is an exhibit that tells culturally rich stories of Persian culture through contemporary and classically-influenced pieces. Monir and 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.
‘Persian Garden’ showcases a variety of Mehdi and Monir’s collaborative pieces: plates inspired by historical Iranian ceramics, large ceramic panels with modernized miniatures in gold and platinum foil, sculptures of oxen and horses inspired by ancient cave drawings, and unique vases fired in temperatures up to 2500°F heat. Handcrafting their own clay, glaze, and even their kilns all from scratch, their ceramic pieces have a distinct quality that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Monir and Mehdi began working together in Iran before they moved to England for further training at London and Canterbury College of Art. After returning to Iran in 1980, they developed a novel style in ceramics influenced by both modern art as well as the very rich traditions of Persian pottery. They have shown their art at numerous national and international exhibitions, including the 2012 Venice Biennial, and have taught for many years at several universities in Iran and in their private workshop. Their pieces are permanently on exhibit at the Contemporary Art Museum in Iran as well as several museums around the world.
