The Milky Way 2

Details

Gholamhossein Nami (Iranian, B. 1936)
The Milky Way 2
signed and dated 'Gh.Nami 78' (lower right of right panel)
acrylic on canvas; in three parts
right panel and left panel: 39 3/8 x 39 3/8in. (100 x 100cm.);
central panel: 39 3/8 x 58½in. (148.5 x 100cm.);
overall: 39 3/8 x 137 3/8in. (100 x 348.5cm.)
Painted in 1978 (3)

Provenance

Private collection, Tehran. Anon. sale, Christie's Dubai, 30 April 2008, lot 97.
Acquired at the above by the present owner.

Literature

H. Riahi, Gholamhossein Nami Selected Works 1961-1993, Tehran 1996 (illustrated in colour, pp. 164-165).

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Lot Essay

'While producing white three-dimensional works of art during the 1960s and then 1970s inspired by inscriptions and old gravestones in Iranian villages, I started creating works using Persian calligraphy. I believe that aesthetic values of Persian calligraphy, which can be employed in producing works of art, include the abstract expression of two elements: rhythm and motion. Mere obsession with the appearance of letters and words makes the work dependent upon literal meaning of the words and devoid of any creative, fantastic visualization. Therefore, I have tried to use hints of motion and rhythm of Persian or Arabic calligraphy in nimble, spontaneous moves on canvas to reincarnate familiar signs and calligraphic forms which can be part of the cultural identity and history of my land.'
(Gholamhossein Nami, 2008)

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