Fragments of Persian Modernity: Selected Pieces from Iranian Modern and Contemporary Art at Dubai’s Foundry (15 April – 15 May 2025) offers an in-depth exploration of Iran’s evolving artistic landscape. This carefully curated exhibition brings together seminal works by some of Iran’s most influential modern and contemporary artists, illustrating the complex dialogue between heritage and transformation, identity and global influence, tradition and experimentation.
Spanning painting, sculpture, and mixed media, the exhibition delves into how Iranian artists have responded to historical shifts, cultural narratives, and personal experiences. From the visionary storytelling of Aydin Aghdashloo and Ali-Akbar Sadeghi and the expressive brushstrokes of Manouchehr Yektai, to the intricate geometric compositions of Monir Farmanfarmaian and the poetic abstraction of Sirak Melkonian and Yaghoub Emdadian, the selected works embody the multiplicity of artistic voices that have shaped Iran’s modern and contemporary art movements.

By juxtaposing early pioneers with later generations, Fragments of Persian Modernity traces the evolution of artistic language in Iran, revealing a compelling interplay between figurative and abstract expressions, mystical symbolism and political undertones, personal introspection and universal themes. The exhibition also highlights how Iranian artists have engaged with global currents while maintaining a distinct cultural sensibility, positioning their works within broader artistic and intellectual conversations.
Each artwork serves as a fragment of a larger narrative—one that speaks to resilience, reinvention, and the enduring power of creativity in the face of social and historical transformation. Together, these pieces offer a nuanced perspective on the richness of Iranian art, inviting viewers to witness the unfolding story of Persian modernity through the lens of its most visionary artists.
– Idin Emdadian