ART

Well said, Anonymous

By the beginning of the Pahalavi reign, Iran has lost 30% of its territory to the Russians and was in danger of becoming a Soviet state. The British were the lesser of the two evils.

By the time, the Shah took over, the British were making decisions to replace Reza shah by the grandson of mamdali Shah (Ghajar), Hamid Mirza, who had grown up in England and was an officer in the Royal Navy, and did not speak Persian. Foroughi, the former prime minister, quickly ushered the shah into parliament and swore him in. After the Second World War II, the British and the Americans left the occupied Iran but the Russians did not. The shah's determination and his plea to Truman, and Truman’s subsequent ultimatum to the Russians, salvaged Iran's independence. The Americans were the lesser of the two (three) evils.

In 1953, the left managed to highjack the Mossadegh movement and Iran was once again in danger of being gobbled up by the Russians. The Americans were once again, the lesser of the two (three) evils.

Who would you consider the lesser of the two evils today, the IRI or the Americans?

People fail to see that if

People fail to see that if one superpower was not there to intervene, another one would take over. I like Americans better. They give a better deal.

Great paintings!

Amazing that we were close to having a democracy. Of course all hopes were shot to pieces as the US executed on the Operation Ajax. As a few of the Presidential candidates that have the balls to say it, especially Ron Paul, the US unfortunately did not take the long-term BLOWBACK of bad policies into account.

Hafiz is lucky to be dead

If Hafiz was alive today and published one of his poems here, some asshole who can barely read would be saying how he doesn't like the way Hafiz writes.

Let's see one of your paintings hoo.   

agree with the bazari comment

In slide #1, the folds in subject's shirt are very poorly depicted. If you look at the folds in the arms and shoulder area, they're too similar, almost parallel. It seems after copying the original photo, he let go of the details & the artistic essence, and just mechanically repeated some fold pattern, too similiar... mind you, in the main subject, of all things...
Also, many other issues.... I just wanted to elaborate on this...
<

Consider, for example ...

"Masterful" expression of 16 "individual" "paintings".
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//www.parlezmoipress.com/mermaid/uploaded_ima...
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It is indeed about 'worship' and expressions of 'higher self':
//www.rothkochapel.org/index.htm
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//www.rothkochapel.org/virtual-interior.htm
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(What Rothko is saying here is that "No lip-stick is required". Get it"Madam" ;))
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Shaad Basheed

Hi Sweet Zahra, . You are

Hi Sweet Zahra,
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You are welcome to your opinions, dear.
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It consistently amazes that some dear women in Iran (and elsewhere, or perhaps even in the no-where-land of no sun-rises and no sun-sets ;) consider superficial outward expression as the expression of their "individuality", meaning self-expression.
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This is the crux of the matter, Khaahareh aziz ;)), given that some of us consider our Self to be boundless infinite Spirit of GOD Breated into Man. So, naturally, the field of our Self-Expression can not be contained in the petty and paltry surface of 'matter'.
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That said, you may then come to see our point of view regarding these matters. When we go to Shrines, we certainly 'Touch' the 'barrier' that is the 'mater' that comes between us and our Higher Self Expression, expressed in the Rightly Guided Imam (Salaam be upon them all).
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Thus, the critique offered requires a certain amount of willingness to consider matters concealed, hidden, and inferred.
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(It is, admittedly, a more subtle form of 'seeing', but then again, that is precisely were we part company, cognitively speaking, ain't it so, sweet Khaahar ?)
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Also, take your time and read carefully, azizam. Mr. Karimi should be quite happy indeed that he is even mentioned in the same breath as Cezanne.
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Labkhand and then Shokr beh Khodaavand. (Give it a try, Sister ;)

Reza Karimi-response to anonymous bazari

Dear Miss anonymous,ignorant bazari,
Your 'attack' on Master Karimi's artworks only serves to sustain your abject ignorance of art.
In literature of all types, writers claim poetic license, similarly in art, the artist can exaggerate a figure, stationary object etc. to emphasize his subject matter or to create a mood in the artwork.
Your comparison to Cezanne is akin to a comparison of apples to oranges. The two have completely different styles and, who are you to make a determination as to why the artist chose to depict the subject as he did??? I truly think that the only art you have 'studied' was in kindergarten. You might do well to avail yourself of an art appreciation course or two [offered at any college].
Further, the depiction of identical figures of women in chadors, "Dakhil", I feel represents their individuality being 'covered, not that they don't have individuality: simply that they cannot express it openly. You simply, fail to comprehend! I, too, love and admire the Iranian woman, both in Iran and in the U.S. We are, above all, strong, determined and indeed, individual with an undaunted spirit.
It would, indeed, behoove you, Madam, to 'loosen up' your negativity and 'open your eyes' to that which is beyond the art, indeed, what the artist wants you to THINK ABOUT and how it effects you! You would do well to learn to 'think outside the box' when it comes to art. May I also suggest that you 'visit' www.nycartsonline.com to further your 'education' in all things painterly.
Good Luck in this endeavor!
Zohreh Rajee

Whose hypocracy?

Changiz khan:

you contradicted yourself twice in tyour last post.

First, you condemned Iranians calling their children by names of their nations enemies while you voluntarily picked the pseudoname Changiz Khan to speak as a caring Iranian patriot.  You tried to "intellectualize" this by saying your are "exposing" the innane hypocracy within us.  In reality, you exemplifying it.

Second, you said Shah and Mossadegh were both victims of "Nation of Iran".  You mean you and I?  You mean like when each gave their last ounce of life & energy, died alone in exile, while people like you and I failed to support them in life, and trashed them after they died?  You won't let an artist paint his heart's desire in peace with respect and you lecture others about how great men are their victims? 

Please, be fairer. 

Not a cult of worship

Dear Changiz Khan:

Anytime a man stands up in a court , points a finger at authority, and speaks, it is inspiring.  I rather he be right, but it is still good even if he is wrong.  I rather he have the eright to do it, but it's even better if he doesn't.  Most important thing is he speak!  Mr Karimi has tried to capture this most inspiring trait in human character and it doesn't amtter which man, which court, what century, which country.  It is an ageless inspiration to which humans respond to.

That is the expression here in the painting that pains you so much.

My answer

To The truth:

If anyone should be sensitive to Iranian sentiments it should be someone who so arrogantly calls himself "The Truth !!!!". Iranians, dear fellow, cannot handle the truth (borrowing from a Few Good Men) so why do you keep tormenting them? But if you want to know why I chose this name for myself, the answer is simple: to expose the innate hypocrisy within us, the noble Iranians. Nowhere in the world can you see people who name their children after their nations sworn enemies — try these: Eskandar, Mohammad, Ali, Hassan, Hossein ... and the rest of them, Changiz, Teimoor, and perhaps in near future Saddam! Are we a nation true to our great heritage? Are we truthful to ourselves? Or are all those who call their children such names are traitors? Wake up buddy, who is telling the truth now?

Dear Mr Manesh,

You are a man of peace — or so it seems — but my intention is not to disapprove of everyone. The Shah and Mossadegh with all their vices and virtues were both victims of the same thing: Nation of Iran. We as a nation have done more damage to ourselves than any other outsider. Its time, long over due, for us to wake up and realize what our true faults are. No one fault is the cult of worship. My objection to these paintings is their promoting the cult of worship. I would have reacted the same way if there these painting were those of the Shah. On a political level, unfortunately, I cannot agree with you that they both loved their country.

RE: Hypocrisy, nonetheless

Changiz khan,

Tearing other people's creativity or opinions down is harmful to us.

Do you consider yourself a useful member of this comunity you comment on?   It's easy to say Mossadegh (or Shah) was a traitor and Karimi is a bad artist.  But, they are doing something, or did something. What do you do or have done that puts you in a position to speak so harshly to others like this?  Is it just the fact that you can? I know you are intelligent, but maybe hurt like so many of us.  lashing out at other doesn't change anything. Do you value bringing people together?

What does our natuion owe people who  disapprove of everyone, disagree with every opinion, and dislike every  creation?  Let others be, dear.  

This mentality just keep us stationary. 

To "Changiz" (Hitler's grand

To "Changiz" (Hitler's grand daddy), with a name like that, you are a very insensitive person. Just like if you were to go in a Jewish webpage and were to call yourself Hitler. Don't speak about Iran, it's none of your business. As for Mossadegh and his cabinet, they were a start, which was crushed immediately. Don't try to stress yourself with trying to write fiction, you'll pop a vain.

Hypocrisy, nonetheless

In line with all of the so called connoisseurs of art on this page, the subject of the main painting, Mossadegh, lied and lied to a nation who was expecting better prospects after the nationalization of oil and kept them in the dark about his selfish plans until it was too late to save that nation other than by removing him from office. Is it not funny that when you see a rubbish piece of art with strong political message, the same art critics tell us: "it is the message that you should pay attention to and not the artistic quality of the work." Yet, when you criticize the political message, again the same critics tell you: "oh no, you should ignore the content of the painting and admire its artistic quality." Sorry guys but you can't have the cake and eat it at the same time. The work of Mr Karimi is nothing so special to shout about (copy work from photographs) and his political message is no better than the quality of his work.

Dear changiz khan

I didn't change my mind at all.  Thanks for the link to my earlier article.

I still like and appreciate  both Shah and Mossadegh as I believe they were representatives of a natural liberal-conservative division is society.  As before, I find fault with my fellow countrymen and countrywomen who can not stand one or the other.  This absolutist mentality has kept a great nation from uniting under a framework that allows liberal and conservatives to be active. It has left the door open  for extremist islamist to steal our government together with her culture, history and esteem among nations. That's all.

Thanks for your attention.  

Note the difference

See, Cezanne is painting the frame (and it has objects in it).
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You paint objects and put them in a frame.
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Your objects are locally far more convincing than Cezanne's.
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But Cezanne's 'painting' is far more convincing than yours.
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(see?)
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That said,
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I found your comments regarding lack of individuality in Iranian women preposterous and absolutely lacking in any merit worthy of serious consideration, what so ever.
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Frankly, you both insult Iranian Women, and Moa'men Women. Buddy, you may not believe in The-God Almighty (and that's your business) but these women in your painting apparently do.
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You don't understand your 'subject'. These are 'props' you put in the 'frame' and it is not convincing.
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Iranian women, regardless of their object of worship (except the money diggers, of course :) are some of the most uniquely gifted creatures of Ar Rahman. SobhanAllah, Zaneh Iroonee is Strong, Intelligent, Brave, Loyal, Loving, Warm, Adventurous, Talented, ...., and the List, AlhamdAllah, goes on!
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Any one who says Iranian women lack individuality is completely clueless.
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Also, without any consideration whatsoever for Bazaris, I find it completely unacceptable for any Iranian to mouth-off in a general manner a segment of our Dear Dear Dear and Lovely People.
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(That's why I gave you a 'thumb' ... ;)
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Movafagh-Basheed!

try this one

//time-blog.com/looking_around/Cezanne-main-t...

To Anonymous4now

Salaam, khodaa ro shokr kon keh behet Aql va Fahm daadeh! (Are there more like you? I hope so!)

A Critique

ba salam aghaye Karimi,

Avalan, dastetoon dard nakoneh, mardeh honarmand.
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Dovoman, you have a very strong sense of composition.
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Sevoman, khatetam (be'ehtemaaleh ziaad) khoobeh.
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Chi begam digeh,
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You have a good handle on light on objects, but your spaces are flat and the object in the frame don't seem quite in 'it'. It is not easy, surely, but you wanted feedback, right?
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Agha, you really need to spend time copying Cezanne.
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His still-life objects are 'there'. They are 'real'. You want to reach in, even the smudgy ones, and move things around.
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I would specifically mention rk004 and rk006 as cases in point. The hands of the women aren't touching the metal gating. Not 'really'. For rk006, try darkening the upper-left hand corner. (Use photoshop to experiment!)
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Space is your final frontier. Be brave and put on your best space suit and go exploring and come back and we'll discuss!
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Movafagh-Baasheed

reza karimi's painting

Dear Zohreh,
Thank you for your insightful observations of my artworks.In answer to your questions, the child in my painting, "The Wall" IS wondering if there is ANY hope. In the painting "Dakhil", I painted all of the women identically because this indicates the lack of individuality of women in my Motherland and the representation of false hope.
reza karimi

reza karimi's painting

Dear Mr. Parsa,
Thank you so much for your comments regarding my artworks. Thank you too, for recognizing the ignorance of anonymous-bazari!
reza karimi

reza karimi's painting

dear Kftavon;
thank you for your lovely comments about my paintings.
reza karimi

Comments on this page

I love commentaries section on this site. They all reveal some cross section of Persian or Persian-American thinking. They are real and as I understand edited little even though I wish there were some editing to get rid of gutter language used by a few. Those who are so backward and illiterate that use their excrement rather than civil language to communicate their in civil language that has been part of our heritage. I wish those few would read some letters to the editors in American publications and learn how you can be civilized and disagree with your worst enemies and influence their thinking in a way you want.
I loved these paintings and I congratulate the painter for these excellent pieces. However I did not despise any comments more than the one who called these paintings name-he called them Bazari! Unfortunately such writers abuse this space and mostly operate as anonymous perhaps to hide their identity. I wonder why they do not have the courage to choose a name, even a fictitious one and stick with it because there are so many anonymous' and I have to have the associate a writing to a name and save time by not reading their writings.
Best of luck to most of the writers in this space.

Comments on this page

I love commentaries section on this site. They all reveal some cross section of Persian or Persian-American thinking. They are real and as I understand edited little even though I wish there were some editing to get rid of gutter language used by a few. Those who are so backward and illiterate that use their excrement rather than civil language to communicate their in civil language that has been part of our heritage. I wish those few would read some letters to the editors in American publications and learn how you can be civilized and disagree with your worst enemies and influence their thinking in a way you want.
I loved these paintings and I congratulate the painter for these excellent pieces. However I did not despise any comments more than the one who called these paintings name-he called them Bazari! Unfortunately such writers abuse this space and mostly operate as anonymous perhaps to hide their identity. I wonder why they do not have the courage to choose a name, even a fictitious one and stick with it because there are so many anonymous' and I have to have the associate a writing to a name and save time by not reading their writings.
Best of luck to most of the writers in this space.

Bad painting, Baazaari style

Oh...this is some terrible quality, the same baazaari style we all know too well.

You shouldn't be a novice so it is very unfortunate that after so many years you haven't still learned how to draw. Take a few classes, do more practice!...it is never late to learn!

"Democracy on Trial"

Bravo Master Karimi!
I checked your website[www.Iranianpaintings.com]for the actual names of your paintings, as they are not all entitled "Democracy on Trial", only Mossadegh's is. Your painting "The Wall", was not only extremely simplified, but is one of your most powerful works as well. Does the child looking upward towards the light at the top of the wall, represent hope? Secondly, in your painting "Dakhil" [pleading] are all of the female figures intentionally identical? [same size, form etc.] Finally, it is unfortunate and disturbing that most of the comments re: "Democracy on Trial" were of a political nature and do not concentrate on the artwork itself.

I don't think there is

I don't think there is anything wrong with changing your mind. As you learn and become more knowledgeable you have to reform and rethink your position with the newly acquired data. Otherwise, your opinion becomes stagnated and dogmatic. That is what religion is.

Dr. Mossadegh, was neither the saint some want to make him out nor the leftist traitor others want to make him out to be. Much like the Shah he was a human being and fallible. He was a democrat and a charismatic leader but he did violate the constitution by dissolving the parliament. By the time there was unrest on the streets he realized that his movement had been high jacked by the left, and fearing that the left, aligned with the Soviet Union, may be poised to take over, he made a public announcement asking his supporters not to come out in the streets and not to support the leftists.

He made one other mistake. The Brits were grown used to taking oil from Iran as if it were in their own back yard. Despite the monumental progress during the Reza Shah era, Iran was still not strong enough to challenge them. Mossadegh thought he could. Faced with the threat of nationalization, the Brits offered a 50-50 deal. The British policy was to keep Iranians in administrative roles, in the oil industry, so that Iran depended on them to extract oil. Mossadegh played hard headed, and instead of being a diplomat and considering the long term good of his nation, he opted for the short term gain and rejected the deal. Accepting the deal would have meant immediate income for Iran which had meager earnings from oil, but much more importantly it would have meant the birth of democracy and the victory of his movement in Iran. The Brits and their American friends staged a coup and ousted Mossadegh. The Shah accepted the 50-50 deal and in 20 years, by 1973, he had managed to change it to 25-75 from a position of strength. History is full of monumental mistakes like these. The Shah himself made many of those and in particular, his desire to keep Iranians unexposed to the politics of the left and the Islamists (he had banned leftist literature and Khomeini's writings), brought about his own demise.

Beautiful work indeed.

Mr Karimi, I love your work!
Thank you for sharing...

karimi's painting

Dear Manesh:
thank you for being one of only a few who 'GET IT'. You understand that the execution of the artwork is relevent, regardless of the subject matter!
reza karimi

So Manesh, you are a hypocrite too?

I thought you used to suggest: "neither Shahi nor Mossadeghi" but you changed you mind and sided with the latter group. Remember this?:

//iranian.com/Opinion/2005/June/Manesh/in...
Not that it makes any difference but your new motto must be:"Hypocrites of the world UNIT!"