Farhad Moshiri (Iranian, b. 1963)

Painted in 2003, BLACK + BRICK depicts an elegant oversized slender necked jar in gold and ochre hues on a white background and is one of the earliest examples of Farhad Moshiri's exploration of texturised vases. His innovative style is reminiscent of his Persian cultural heritage and reveals the artist's interest in archaeology. Ceramics have had a distinguished history in ancient Persia and originate in Susa, almost 6000 years ago. Found later in the Sassanian era, but also within the imperial fortresses of the 17th century Safavids, the ancient
pottery remained cherished through centuries.

Fascinated by the essence of the paint as a medium, the artist manipulates the surface of the work to achieve a highly texturised appearance and induce the sense of antiquity. He builds up layers of paint then subsequently folds and crushes the surface, creating a crackling of the picture plane, before sealing the painting with glue to prevent further paint loss. By mimicking ancient ceramic and stoneware jars of which he is an avid collector, Farhad Moshiri ingenuously fuses tradition and modernity whilst reviving a lost identity. His jars become vessels of desire, love, life and memories and reconcile the ancient with the modern through an elegant composition with an earthy palette.

Beyond a mere depiction of the ancient jar, Farhad Moshiri operates in the realms between traditional form and contemporary culture as he simultaneously expresses his critical observation of the consumerist society in which he lives. An extraordinary mixture of modernity and tradition characterises Farhad Moshiri's oeuvre and BLACK + BRICK stands as one of the most elegant and early depictions of jar to have ever appeared at auction.