Rokn al-Din Haerizadeh, known as Rokni Haerizadeh, is a contemporary Iranian painter renowned for his expressive artworks that blend ancient and contemporary elements of Iranian identity. His paintings are characterized by an ironic, biting, and explicit commentary on political, social, and cultural issues.
Haeri's fascination with art began in childhood amidst a backdrop of television programs dominated by Islamic war propaganda and occasional screenings of films by masters like Andrei Tarkovsky, Kurosawa, and Eisenstein. This exposure sparked his curiosity about the nature of art and its capacity to convey profound meaning.
Formally trained under Ahmad Aminnazar, Haeri held his debut solo exhibition at Elahe Gallery, Tehran. His artistic acclaim grew further when his work was featured in the sixth Tehran Biennial in 2003. This success propelled him towards relocating to Dubai, where he has resided since 2009, collaborating extensively with the Dutch-Emirati Gallery Isabelle van den Eynde.
A milestone in Haeri's career was becoming the first Iranian artist whose works were acquired by the prestigious Saatchi Gallery. His paintings "Knife Dance" and "Iranian Celebration" entered Saatchi's collection in 2008, solidifying his international recognition.
In his paintings, Haeri tackles the complexities of political, social, and cultural landscapes in Iran and the Middle East. He imbues his work with local motifs and identity markers, creating a distinctive visual language. Through grotesque exaggerations and juxtapositions of bodily postures and perspectives, he critiques patriarchal culture and societal contradictions.
One of Haeri's notable works, "A Traditional Iranian Wedding," exemplifies his approach. Describing the piece, the Saatchi Gallery notes Haeri's use of painting to satirize the hypocritical aspects of Iranian culture. The painting portrays a traditional Iranian wedding, humorously highlighting the division between men and women in lavish, yet starkly different settings. The scene is depicted with meticulous detail akin to a precise caricature, illustrating Haeri's keen observation and critical perspective.
Through his art, Rokni Haeri continues to challenge and provoke thought on contemporary issues while celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of Iran, leaving a lasting impact on the global art scene.