Rebel, Jester, Mystic, Poet: Contemporary Persians—The Mohammed Afkhami Collection

Asia Society Museum presents ‘Rebel, Jester, Mystic, Poet: Contemporary Persians—The Mohammed Afkhami Collection’, an exhibition of works by more than 20 Iranian-born artists and one German-born artist, reflecting a dynamic and thriving contemporary arts scene. The exhibition, illuminating the multifaceted experiences and identities of artists spanning three generations who are working inside and outside of Iran, probes subjects such as gender identity, war and peace, politics and religion, and spirituality.

Drawing from the collection of financier and philanthropist Mohammed Afkhami, the exhibition comprises paintings, sculptures, photographs, and videos. Of the 23 participating artists, over a third live in Iran, over a third live outside of Iran, and five live in New York City. These established, mid-career, and emerging artists are working from unique vantage points, informed by a rich cultural heritage as well as more recent extensive social and political unrest in Iran. Referencing “contemporary Persians,” the exhibition’s title evokes an ancient culture that is still very much alive today.

Curated by Dr. Fereshteh Daftari, artists in the exhibition include: Shiva Ahmadi, Morteza Ahmadvand, Shirin Aliabadi, Afruz Amighi, Nazgol Ansarini, Mahmoud Bakhshi, Ali Banisadr, Alireza Dayani, Mohammed Ehsai, Monir Farmanfarmaian, Parastou Forouhar, Shadi Ghadirian, Rokni Haerizadeh, Khosrow Hassanzadeh, Shirazeh Houshiary, Y.Z. Kami, Abbas Kiarostami, Farhad Moshiri, Timo Nasseri, Shirin Neshat, Shahpour Pouyan, Hamed Sahihi and Parviz Tanavoli.