Rokni Haerizadeh (Iranian, b. 1978)

Drawing together diverse influences- the colours of Matisse, elements of Bacon and the kitsch of Hockney- and populated with motifs and characters from Sufi literature, Iranian mythology and historical and modern Persian poetry, Rokni Haerizadeh's works address the cultural and pyschological uncertainties of present-day Iran. Although censorship and relative isolation create boundaries, the widespread use of internet, deep-rooted traditions, strong education, international travel and networks together create a hybrid culture which permeates the society of Iranian youth, so eloquently expressed in Rokni's works.