Nasser Ovissi

Nasser Ovissi, born in Tehran in 1934, is a pioneering artist of the Saqqakhaneh movement in Iran. Like other prominent artists of this movement, he is a graduate of the School of Decorative Arts. In the 1960s, with a focus on returning to the elements of Iran's past art and emphasizing applied and decorative arts, and supporting young artists, the Saqqakhaneh movement was established, creating a bridge between tradition and modernity. These artists, seeking to converge with Western modern art while utilizing Iranian elements, brought about a significant transformation in the history of Iranian art. Among these artists, Nasser Ovissi created distinctive and vibrant works with bright colors that, while innovative, delve into the past of Iranian painting. He achieved this by depicting female figures in local attire, with distinctly Eastern faces, even paying attention to the type of makeup of Iranian women, such as joined eyebrows and red cheeks, as seen in Qajar art. However, he unconditionally combined these elements with horses, birds, and Iranian fruits like pomegranates and apples, using modern forms and incorporating the element of line as a form. The main subjects of his works are women playing various musical instruments, riding on horses walking with them, or reclining on brightly colored surfaces on canvas. He has also created still lifes, primarily featuring Iranian pottery and vessels. In essence, Ovissi directly utilizes the forms of traditional Iranian arts as raw material for his creations. His works are housed in prestigious museums and collections around the world.

Saadat Afzood