This is the first group show of Iranian art in Japan, showcasing over 30 drawings, photos, videos, prints and installations that seek to examine the role of the image in reconstructing a new understanding of the country in the context of contemporary society.

Although the exhibition includes both young emerging artists and more established veteran practitioners who live and work in various countries around the world, what these works share in common is a certain imaginative breadth that expresses the historical and poetic in contemporary Iran. These artists employ a variety of media to create diverse works ranging from portraits and graffiti that allude to the country’s Islamic traditions, to polemical pieces that stand opposed to the political oppression currently facing the Iranian people.

A close and careful reading of the varied works on display promises a deeper awareness and understanding of the historical events and issues specific to contemporary Iran. More than this, however, The Stalking of Absence (vis-à-vis Iran) prompts us to reconsider the political and individual freedom we tend to take for granted, as well as the more universal human question of how this freedom ought to be defended and protected. At the same time, these works attempt to question the historical and conceptual frameworks that (legitimately or otherwise) underlie the things we take for granted.

An opening reception will be held on the first day of the exhibition in the presence of Shaheen Merali, curator for the exhibition, as well as Tokyo-based artist Sara Dolatabadi. There will also be a talk by Merali and art critic Yusuke Nakahara on the same day before the reception, starting at 18:00.

We hope you take the opportunity to view this exhibition of works by 8 Iranian artists that gaze passionately, yet unflinchingly at their homeland.

Curator: Shaheen Merali
Artists: Reza Abedini, Matilda Aslizadeh, Bahar Behbahani, Ramesch Daha, Sarah Dolatabadi, Ghazel, Raha Rastifard, Newsha Tavakolian

* The text provided by Tokyo Gallery + BTAP.

Opened dates: May 19 - June 12, 2010