Ali Banisadr (Iranian, b. 1976)

Crash 1 is an intimate composition meticulously rendered in hues of emerald blue. At first glance, the work seems deprived of any narrative like an abstract painting depicted with spontaneous gesturality and expressionist brushstrokes, dissolving itself into a rhythm of colours and shapes. Upon closer inspection, Banisadr's work suggests a myriad of figures and intertwined chronicles that are reminiscent of the artist's memories from his war-torn childhood in Tehran during the Iran-Iraq war and as such, his work is intended to be seen, but also heard. Referencing various art movements, his work merges his native visual culture, Islamic calligraphy and miniature paintings with inspirations from Medieval art, Abstract Expressionism as well as Street art amongst others.