Arash Nazari (Iranian, b.1980), Abdelhalim, 2010, acrylic on canvas, signed...

Arash Nazari (Iranian, b.1980), Abdelhalim, 2010, acrylic on canvas, signed and dated to verso, 140 x 160cm Much like the early photography of Samira Alikhanzadeh, Nazari’s work takes stock of Iran’s rich history and juxtaposes it with the country’s vivid present, without falling foul of eulogistic nostalgia for an irretrievable past. The theme of displacement and Iran’s position between tradition and modernity is brought out in Nazari’s work. He makes use of historical figures and traditional costumes, honouring the past, whilst renewing the imagery with contemporary iconography and humorous features.