Footnotes

Provenance:
Property from the Varzi Family Collection, Spain

"Like centaurs and other demi-human figures in mythology, the minotaur confronts us with our primal animal nature, offering a stark reminder of our most base instincts and hidden fears. It is a figure of menace, a being trapped between the worlds of human reason and animal savagery."

This striking collage, one of the most exemplary pieces from Bahman Mohasses' collage period, features one of his most iconic and recurring motifs: the minotaur. Mohasses was profoundly fascinated by mythological figures, drawn to their rich symbolism and their relationship to the human psyche. The minotaur, a hybrid creature of man and beast, embodies the bestial instincts within humanity. Like centaurs and other demi-human figures in mythology, the minotaur confronts us with our primal animal nature, offering a stark reminder of our most base instincts and hidden fears. It is a figure of menace, a being trapped between the worlds of human reason and animal savagery.

In this work, Mohasses presents the minotaur not as an active, living creature, but as an object, almost a still life. This transformation marks a significant departure from earlier depictions where the minotaur was depicted in motion, its power and menace apparent. Here, the creature's head is almost fossilized, as if it has been relegated to the realm of myth and memory. It no longer threatens, but instead sits lifeless, a symbol of something that once was. This shift reflects the way mythical creatures often evolve from their original, potent representations to become cultural symbols, rather than fearsome being, and perhaps also a commentary on the artists own advanced age.

Mohasses' choice to frame the minotaur as an object of still life might also point to the symbolic nature of mythical figures in art and literature, where their once-active power is reduced to a mere motif. Yet, while the minotaur may appear more passive in this collage, it continues to evoke a sense of danger, now heightened by its very stillness and decay. This lifeless minotaur also bears a resemblance to kale pache, the traditional Iranian dish of a boiled sheep's head.

This connection, while subtle, adds an element of humour and irony to Mohasses' work, a characteristic that often underpins his more serious themes. It's as if Mohasses is simultaneously engaging with the deeply symbolic nature of the minotaur while also poking fun at the seriousness of mythology by likening the figure to a common meal. This blend of dark symbolism and humour is emblematic of Mohasses' unique style, making his works both intellectually provocative and unexpectedly playful.