
Nima Sagharchi
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Provenance:
Property from a private collection, Iran
Highly gifted and a consummate draughtsman, Morteza Pourhosseini's works exhibit a sense of realism and technical dexterity seldom encountered in contemporary art. His works borrow themes from Iran's popular religious imagery which serve as backdrops to portraits of everyday figures.
Pourhosseini's work often involves the interplay between people and works of art, this portrayal of "art within artwork" not only demonstrates his extraordinary talent in capturing tonal and aesthetic layering but allows him to create a dialogue between cultural imagery and the people associated with it.
In this instance, a figure is depicted against a coffeehouse painting showing a scene from the battle of Karbala, with the Imam Hussein boldly striking a foe in during his heroic last stand. The stylized wound borne by the fallen warrior is extended onto the figure in the foreground, this dialogue is used to demonstrate the power and influence of myth and folklore on the popular Iranian consciousness and the continuing passion and life that seems to exude from historical religious imagery.
The Martyrdom of Imam Hussain, which continues to be celebrated in fervent and zealous popular displays, itself involves laceration of the body in order to associate with the Imam's suffering. For Pourhosseini, the wound is demonstrative of the wider imprint history and myth has on our identity, our understanding of ourselves, and our everyday lives.
A young but extremely accomplished artist, Pourhosseini's work has recently been acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a testament to both to his rising status and immense talent.