Lot 66: Zone 28

Mehdi Moutashar (French-Iraqi, b. 1943) Zone 28 signed, titled, dated and inscribed 'Mehdi MOUTASHAR ZONE 28 Paris 1974' (on the reverse) acrylic on canvas 39 3/8 x 39 3/8in. (100 x 100cm.) Painted in Paris in 1974

100 x 100cm.

Paris, Galerie du Haut-Pavé, Mehdi Moutashar, 1974. Washington, Gallery K, Mehdi Moutashar, 1978.

A. Gros de Beler & M. Moutashar (eds.), Mehdi Moutashar, Arles 2014 (illustrated in colour, p. 31).

Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner.

Though rooted deeply in the visual principles of the Arab Islamic style, Mehdi Moutashar's intricate explorations of geometric minimalism exemplify the power that exists through the successful manipulation of pattern and line. His unique artistic creations combine personal exploration with seemingly simple shapes, culminating to create dynamic canvases of linear expression. The French-Iraqi artist's emphatic use of shape and thoughtful interpretations of form create a visual language that, not only transcends the picture plane, but also redefines the traditional relationship between colour and line.