Lot 109: * HOSSEIN KAZEMI (Iran, 1924-1996) Abstract Landscape

Hossein Kazemi (Iran, 1924-1996)
Abstract Landscape
acrylic on board, framed
executed in 1984
80 x 60cm (31 1/2 x 23 5/8in).
FOOTNOTES
THREE IMPORTANT WORKS BY HOSSEIN KAZEMI

Provenance:
Property from a private collection, San Francisco

"There is one earthly principle and one heavenly principle, and the plant by growing roots into the earth and spouting towards the heavens faces both principles, unites them and unifies their contrasts." -Hossein Kazemi

One of the most important protagonists of abstraction in 20th century Iranian art, the following three lots survey the majestic oeuvre of Hossein Kazemi, who alongside Sohrab Sepehri, Behjat Sadr and Sirak Melkonian was instrumental in establishing a critical counterpoint to the prevalent "neo-traditionalism" of his time.

Starting life as a figurative painter, Kazemi was principally known in his early career as a skilled portrait painter. In 1953, Kazemi moved to Paris and entered the 'Ecole des Beaux Arts' which was to catalyse his transition to a principally abstract artist.

Uniquely, Kazemi's abstraction was closely tied to distinctly Persian motifs. His interest in stylized forms from Ancient Persia, miniature paintings, ceramic tiles and manuscript illuminations are reflected on his canvases. With a luminous, lush violet and blue palette reminiscent of the iridescent hue of medieval Islamic pottery, Kazemi's exuberant, sophisticated, and almost geographical landscapes are both unique and original.