Leila Heller Gallery presents Flames Beneath The Flowering Sky, a solo exhibition by Iranian artist, critic, and curator Behrang Samadzadegan. This exhibition delves into the intricate interplay of fantasy, literature, and the socio-political landscape of the Middle East and will be open to the public until 15 January 2025.
Samadzadegan’s work is deeply rooted in the traditions of Iranian painting, which significantly shapes his artistic approach. This influence manifests in his storytelling, vivid colour palettes, geometric compositions, limited depth, unconventional perspectives, and particular elements such as flames. Notably, the flames in his work evoke The Fire Ordeal of Siyâvoš and The Ascent of Muhammad to Heaven (Miʿrāj), reinterpreted in a contemporary context. By removing the central figures from these narratives, Samadzadegan leaves only the consuming flames, symbolising the trials and fate of modern Muslim nations. Where Siyâvoš’s triumph is celebrated in the Shahnama, Samadzadegan’s vision transforms victory into an inferno of existential reckoning.
Through Persian miniature painting’s stylistic lens, Samadzadegan weaves themes of fantasy, literature, and socio-political realities. His evocative conceptual landscapes transcend representation, offering a nuanced dialogue between historical narratives and contemporary struggles. The imagery of flames and flowers underscores this interplay, reflecting a region shaped by conflict and hope.
About the artist
Behrang Samadzadegan (b. 1979, Tehran, Iran) lives and works in Iran. He received a BFA in Painting from Iran Art University (Tehran) in 2001 and an MFA in Painting from Tarbiat Modares University (TMU) (Tehran) in 2007. Since 2004, Samadzadegan has been lecturing on art theory and conducting workshops at the Sooreh University, Tehran University of Art, Aria Art Institute, and Mahe-Mehr Cultural & Art Institute. In 2015, he was a guest lecturer at the Cleveland Institute of Art’s Painting Department.
Samadzadegan’s art practice encompasses drawing, painting, and installation. His work explores themes of truth, identity, and history within aesthetic frameworks, questioning the capacity of imagery to convey these concepts. By blending contemporary Iranian history with fictional narratives and painterly aesthetics, Samadzadegan challenges hierarchical systems that distort information, such as politics, aesthetics, and historical narratives. He often incorporates cultural references, including literature, toys, photographs, and commercial illustrations, to examine social identity.
Samadzadegan has showcased his art pieces in multiple exhibitions and art events, such as Contemporary Istanbul (Mohsen Gallery, Istanbul, Turkey, 2019); Heading Utopia (solo) (Zygote Press Inc, Cleveland, Ohio, USA, 2015); Reflecting Reality, Vienna Art Week (Sigmund Freud Museum, Vienna, Austria, 2012); Golden Feather, The 1st International Media Art Forum for Youth (IMAFY) (Cairo, Egypt, 2008); and First Contemporary Art Biennale of Thessaloniki (Greece, 2007), among others.
The artist has participated in prestigious artist residencies, including the Cleveland Foundation Creative Fusion Artists Program (Cleveland, Ohio, USA, 2015), Artist Residency (Atelierhaus Salzamt, Linz, Austria, 2012), and Visiting Arts Artist Residency (Spike Island, Bristol, UK, 2009). In 2008, Samadzadegan was awarded the Golden Feather at the International Media Art Forum for Youth (Cairo). His artworks can be found in such collections as the Center of Contemporary Arts (Thessaloniki, Greece), Lepsien Art Foundation (Dusseldorf, Germany), Mossavar-Rahmani Collection (New Jersey, USA), and F&A Projects (Paris, France), to name a few.
For more details about Flames Beneath The Flowering Sky, please visit the official web page of the exhibition.
You might also be interested in viewing Navigating Through Nothing by Thaier Helal and Your Sun That Kept Setting by Chafa Ghaddar.
