Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian Sold at Auction Prices
Painter, Installation Artist, b. 1922 - d. 2019
Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian (16 December 1922 – 20 April 2019) was an Iranian artist and a collector of traditional folk art. She is noted for having been one of the most prominent Iranian artists of the contemporary period, and she was the first artist to achieve an artistic practice that weds the geometric patterns and cut-glass mosaic techniques (Aina-kari) of her Iranian heritage with the rhythms of modern Western geometric abstraction. In 2017, the Monir Museum in Tehran, Iran was opened in her honor.
Property from a Prestigious Collection, Hong Kong Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian 1922 - 2019 Variation on the Hexagon signed Monir. Sh. Farmanfarmaian, dated Jan 2008, and inscribed Tehran-Iran in English and Farsi (on the reverse) mirror, reverse-glass painting and plaster on wood 121 by 45 by 8 cm. 48 by 18 by 3 in. Executed in 2008.
Monir SHAHROUDI FARMANFARMAIAN (Iran, 1922 - 2019) Untitled Signé « MONIR.FARMANFARMAIAN» en latin au revers Miroir et peinture sous verre inversée sur bois 81 × 60 cm Réalisé vers les années 1970 *** Signed “MONIR.FARMANFARMAIAN” in Latin on the reverse Mirror and reverse-glass painting on wood Executed circa 1970s This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from the estate of Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian. **** Cette œuvre captivante, intitulée Untitled, illustre l’approche novatrice de Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian en matière d’abstraction géométrique et son savoir-faire exceptionnel en mosaïque de miroirs. Jouant avec la lumière et les reflets, elle présente des motifs complexes de carrés et de triangles qui évoquent la beauté des motifs architecturaux islamiques, tout en intégrant les philosophies du modernisme, du minimalisme et de l’expressionnisme abstrait. La qualité dynamique de l’œuvre entraîne le spectateur dans une expérience presque hypnotique, rappelant les mouvements d’art cinétique incarnés par des artistes tels que Heinz Mack et Marina Apollonio. Le processus créatif de Farmanfarmaian reposait sur une collaboration étroite avec des artisans locaux qui réalisaient ses designs avec une précision remarquable. Les miroirs, souvent importés de Belgique, étaient minutieusement découpés en formes géométriques, fusionnant la vision novatrice de l’artiste avec un profond respect pour l’artisanat persan traditionnel. Ses œuvres évoquent la splendeur des demeures aristocratiques iraniennes des XVIIᵉ et XVIIIᵉ siècles tout en offrant une perspective contemporaine, les rendant à la fois intemporelles et révolutionnaires. Cette pièce provient de la prestigieuse collection de la famille Abdo, ce qui en renforce la valeur historique et culturelle. Acquise directement auprès de l’artiste, elle témoigne de la relation durable entre Farmanfarmaian et ses racines iraniennes, tout en soulignant son rayonnement sur la scène artistique internationale. Le parcours artistique de Farmanfarmaian est une histoire de résilience et d’évolution. Depuis ses premières années à New York – où elle a côtoyé des figures légendaires de l’art telles que Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning et Andy Warhol – jusqu’à son retour en Iran, où elle a redécouvert la richesse de la tradition des mosaïques de miroirs, son œuvre construit des ponts entre les mondes. Sa découverte du mausolée Shah Cheragh à Shiraz en 1966 a profondément influencé sa pratique, nourrissant sa fascination pour la lumière, la géométrie et les reflets. Dans les années 1960 et 1970, l’esthétique de Farmanfarmaian a pris forme, mêlant les designs géométriques islamiques aux concepts modernes scientifiques et philosophiques. Elle a imprégné ses œuvres de symbolisme métaphysique, utilisant des formes telles que des triangles, des cercles et des polygones pour exprimer des vérités universelles. La qualité réfléchissante de ses créations dépasse le physique, offrant aux spectateurs une expérience immersive et kaléidoscopique. Cette œuvre Untitled, avec son mélange harmonieux d’artisanat traditionnel et d’innovation moderne, est une représentation remarquable de l’héritage incomparable de Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian dans l’art iranien moderne et contemporain. Millon Middle East est ravi d'offrir une occasion unique d'acquérir une œuvre emblématique issue d'une collection prestigieuse présentée dans ce catalogue. --- This captivating untitled work by Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian exemplifies the artist’s pioneering approach to geometric abstraction and her mastery of mirror mosaic. A dazzling interplay of light and reflection, it features intricate patterns of squares and triangles, evoking the beauty of Islamic architectural motifs while embracing the philosophies of Modernism, Minimalism, and Abstract Expressionism. The artwork’s dynamic quality invites viewers into an almost hypnotic experience, reminiscent of kinetic art movements championed by artists such as Heinz Mack and Marina Apollonio. Farmanfarmaian’s creative process was a collaborative one, involving local craftsmen who executed her designs with precision. The mirrors, often imported from Belgium, were meticulously cut into geometric shapes that married the artist’s innovative vision with a deep respect for traditional Persian craftsmanship. Her works resonate with the grandeur of aristocratic homes of 17th and 18th-century Iran while introducing a contemporary perspective, making them both timeless and revolutionary. This piece belongs to the significant Abdo Family collection, highlighting its historical and cultural value. Acquired directly from the artist, it stands as a testament to her enduring relationship with her Iranian roots and the global art scene. Farmanfarmaian’s artistic journey is one of resilience and evolution. From her formative years in New York—where she mingled with art-world legends like Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Andy Warhol—to her return to Iran, where she rediscovered the rich heritage of mirror mosaics, her work bridges worlds. The discovery of the Shah Cheragh shrine in Shiraz in 1966 profoundly influenced her practice, inspiring her lifelong fascination with light, geometry, and reflection. In the 1960s and 1970s, Farmanfarmaian’s aesthetic took shape, blending Islamic geometric designs with modern scientific and philosophical concepts. She imbued her works with metaphysical symbolism, using shapes such as triangles, circles, and polygons as vehicles for universal truths. The reflective quality of her creations transcends the physical, offering viewers an immersive, kaleidoscopic experience. This untitled masterpiece, with its harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation, is a stellar representation of Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian’s unparalleled legacy in modern and contemporary Iranian art. Millon Middle East is delighted to present a rare opportunity to acquire an iconic piece from a renowned collection featured in this catalog. Acquired directly from the artist by the prominent Abdo Family collection.
Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian 1922 - 2019 Variation of Hexagon signed, titled and dated Tehran 2013 (on the reverse) mirror, reverse-glass painting and plaster on wood 13 by 14 ½ in. 33 by 36.8 cm. Executed in 2013.
Monir Farmanfarmaian (Iran, 1924-2019) Untitled (Geometric Forms) pencil and marker on paper, framed signed 'Monir F.F' and dated '76' lower right, executed in 1976 75 x 55cm (29 1/2 x 21 5/8in).
Monir Farmanfarmaian (Iranian, 1922-2019) Drawing in Glass No. 3 signed, inscribed and dated in Farsi, signed, inscribed and dated 'MONIR SHAHROUDY-FARMANFARMAIAN TEHRAN-IRAN 2009' (on the reverse) mirror mosaic and plaster on wood 70 7/8 x 43 3/8 in. (180 x 110cm.) Executed in 2009 ,
Monir Farmanfarmaian (Iranian, 1922-2019) Drawing 1 signed and dated 'MONIR-SH-FARMANFARMAIAN-2013' (upper right) felt marker, colour pencil and mirror on paper 21 2/3 x 33 2/3in. (55 x 85.5cm.
Monir Farmanfarmaian (Iran, 1924-2019) The Magnified Sacred mirror and reverse-glass painting on wood executed in 2004 diameter: 100cm For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
Monir Farmanfarmaian (Iranian, 1924-2019) UNTITLED (FARAVAHAR WINGS, ZARATHUSTRA) mirror, reverse-glass painting and plaster on panel in aluminium artist's frame 33½ x 70in. (85 x 178cm.)
Monir Farmanfarmaian (Iran, 1924-2019) Stars mirror, reverse glass painting and plaster on wood, framed signed 'Monir.Sh-Farmanfarmaian Tehran' and dated 'November 2005' in English and Farsi (on the reverse), executed in 2005 90 x 50cm (35 7/16 x 19 11/16in). For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
MONIR SHAHROUDY FARMANFARMAIAN (IRANIAN, B. 1924) Drawing In Glass No. 3 mirror mosaic and plaster on wood 70 7/8 x 43 3/8 in. (180 x 110cm.) Executed in 2009
Monir Farmanfarmaian (Iranian, b. 1924) Mirror Ball mirror-mosaic, reverse-glass painting on plaster base diameter: 7in. (17.7cm.) Executed circa 1974-1977
Monir Farmanfarmaian (Iranian, b. 1924) Zahra's Image mirror mosaic, reverse-glass painting and plaster on wood in aluminium artist's frame 72 7/8 x 53 1/8 x 7½in. (185 x 135 x 19cm.)
Stars mirror, reverse glass painting and plaster on wood, framed signed "Monir.Sh-Farmanfarmaian Tehran" and dated "November 2005" in English and Farsi (on the reverse), executed in 2005 90 x 50 x 4cm (35 7/16 x 19 11/16in).
B. 1924 VARIATIONS ON HEXAGON signed and dated Nov 2005 Tehran twice on the reverse mirror, reverse-glass painting and plaster on wood in aluminium frame 100.2 by 100.2cm.; 39 1/2 by 39 1/2 in.
Monir Farmanfarmian (Iranian, b. 1924) Untitled signed, located and dated 'MONIR-SH FARMANFARMAIAN TEHERAN 2005' and signed and dated in Farsi (on the reverse) mirror and glass on panel 28¼ x 50½in. (72 x 128.5cm.) Executed in 2005
MONIR FARMANFARMAIAN B. 1924 UNTITLED signed and dated 75 twice on the reverse mirror, stainless steel, reverse-glass painting and plaster on wood 83.3 by 83.3 by 6.8cm.; 32 3/4 by 32 3/4 by 2 5/8 in.
Mounir Farmanfarmaian (Iranian, b. 1924) Untitled signed, dated and located in Farsi (on the reverse) Mirror, reverse-glass painting, blown glass and plaster on wood 46¾ x 46¾in. (119 x 119cm.) Executed in 2005/2006 in Tehran
Mounir Shahroudy Farmanfarmian (Iranian, b. 1924) Birds of Paradise mirror, reverse-glass painting and plaster on wood, diptych each 70 7/8 x 50¾in. (180 X 129cm.); overall 70 7/8 x 101½in. (180 x 258cm.) Executed in 2007
Monir Farmanfarmian (Iranian, b. 1924) Heptagone signed and dated 'Monir F.F. 76 TEHRAN.IRAN' and signed and dated in Farsi (on the reverse) mirror and reverse-glass painting on wood 42½in. (108cm. diameter) Executed in 1976
