Two Interpretations of Contemporary Iranian Ceramics, a Group Exhibition

Two Interpretations of Contemporary Iranian Ceramics” is a selection of modern and contemporary approaches to Iranian ceramic art over half a century.

While the first interpretation marks the arrival of ceramic art in museums and galleries in the 1950s and 60s, the second one displays the experiences of the generation of young artists in ceramic-based artistic creativities.

1 - 22 July 2022

Curator: Narges Farahani

Artists: Tina Ebtahaj, Mozhgan Bavaki, Maryam Behrouzinia, Mahdieh Rokhsat Talab, Fatemeh Riyazati, Narges Farahani

Ceramics in the history of Iranian art possess an ancient legacy. Since the earliest historical eras and millennia before Christ, ceramics have primarily been used as a functional material, playing a significant role in daily life—particularly for us Iranians—and continuing to do so today. In contemporary times, however, with the growing importance of research and theory, there is an increasing need to revisit ceramics from fresh and diverse perspectives. Perspectives that allow ceramics to be examined in new ways and draw our attention to recent developments and novel approaches—regardless of whether the works are functional or non-functional.

One of the main objectives of this exhibition has been to explore and highlight such new approaches in ceramics. Among them are ecological and personal perspectives, which can be observed in some of the works presented here. These viewpoints invite us to analyze ceramic works in contextual and interpretive terms and encourage us to consider ceramics within intermedia and multimedia relationships. The exhibition’s central motivation is to reflect on how the younger generation of artists engage with ceramics as a medium to create works that convey their intended meanings.

Thus, this exhibition was conceived with a focus on the ceramic medium and the theme of “home.” Each artist has interpreted and redefined the concept of home in their own way.

Across cultures, communities, and individuals, “home” encompasses different meanings and connotations. It may be defined as the space where one can dwell—a place for resting, living, and retreating from external events and pressures. Yet, for some, home may also be a site of restlessness, anxiety, monotony, or tension—something to escape from. Home may be the corner marked by repetitive daily routines, or it may be the intimate place we finally discover and merge with—a space that shelters us and that we, in turn, protect.

Perhaps “home” is that ever-elusive place we are constantly seeking…

In this collection, the concept of home is approached at times metaphorically and at times symbolically. Tina Ebtahaj searches for home within nature, while Fatemeh Riyazati engages with soil in the framework of an environmental project. Mozhgan Bavaki, Maryam Behrouzinia, Mahdieh Rokhsat Talab, and Narges Farahani each reflect on different meanings of home through personal projects informed by their lived experiences.