The Fusion of Western Modernism and

Persian Artistic Traditions: An Exploration

of 20th and 21st Century Iranian Art

Amadia McPherson

Pooran Lashini, Ethics

Research Paper

10/30/2023

In the world of 20th and 21st-century Iranian art, Cubism and Persian traditions intertwine to
craft a captivating narrative of innovation and identity.

The delicate grace of Persian art blends with the aggressive angles of cubism to create a
combination that defies convention and captivates the senses. This research paper documents the
frontiers of artistic expression by examining the dynamic intersection between Persian traditions
and Western modernism. We’ll explore the fusion of Western modernism and Persian artistic
traditions in 20th and 21st-century Iranian art.

Appearance of Modernism

The concept of "modernism" in Persian painting, describes an artistic style that emerged in Iran
during the 20th century and diverged from the traditional Persian miniature painting. Persian
artists created a more modern and experimental approach to visual art by incorporating new
subjects, styles, and techniques that were frequently influenced by Western art. This shift
embraced innovation and modernity, breaking away from centuries-old creative traditions.

It leads one to wonder, how the incorporation of Western modernist influences, notably Cubism,
has been impactful to the evolution of Persian art in the 20th and 21st centuries? You see, by
exploring the influence of Cubism and other Western modernist movements on Persian art, we
can see the evolution of artistic styles and techniques.
Rise of Cubism in Persian Art

The influence of Cubism on Persian art during that era has been significant and transformative.
The early 20th century witnessed the influx of Western art movements into Iran, which included
Cubism. Persian artists, students, and art enthusiasts were exposed to these movements through
various means. To add to that, universities like the University of Tehran, played a key role in the
promotion of modernism in art. With its modern educational policy and stellar fine arts faculty.

Notable artwork is Jalil Ziapour’s, 1953, “Minaret of the Mosque”, which incorporates abstract
cubism. The artwork depicts a woman combing her hair in a public bath (a Hammam). The
woman is hunched over in an unnatural, twisted pose in front of a bluish, green, and yellow tile.

This artwork showcases how a Persian artist could successfully blend modernist principles with
Persian cultural motifs and themes. Serving to represent a collaboration of styles that resulted in
a unique and dynamic interpretation of modernism within the context of Persian art.

A Short Look Into Cubism

Cubism is a revolutionary art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, with the first
entry in the art form being Pablo Picasso’s, 1907, "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon", which depicts
five nude female prostitutes within a Spanish brothel. This piece stands to represent a significant
departure from traditional artistic techniques and perspectives.

Now with the introduction of Cubism and its principles to Persian artists, it became a
multifaceted process influenced by education, Western exposure, publications, patronage, art
associations, and cultural exchange. These influences mixed with Cubism led to a fusion of
Western and Persian artistic traditions, resulting in a dynamic and unique modern Persian art
scene.

We can see a great example of this in the artwork of Farideh Lashai, a contemporary Iranian
artist. Where the Iranian artist incorporates cubist elements into her paintings. Her “Tehran, Iran"
art piece, where the city's architecture is depicted with fragmented forms and abstract
geometries, evokes Cubist aesthetics while maintaining the essence of the Persian cityscape.

Artworks like these exemplify how Persian artists integrated Cubist elements into their work,
blending Western modernist principles with Persian cultural motifs and themes.

A Brief Summarization
The delicious fusion of Western modernism and Persian artistic traditions is an interesting and
multifaceted phenomenon that highlights the rich tapestry of art's adaptability and its ability to
reflect cultural dynamism. By understanding this fusion, we can gain a deeper appreciation of
how art can serve as a bridge between cultures, a repository of heritage, and a medium for
expressing the complexities of identity and modernity