Roya Khadjavi Projects & Nader & Nader
Present Daryoush Gharhazad
STATEMENT
My artistic journey began in Iran, where I spent nearly three decades actively creating art through painting, design, and photography. My paintings initially focused on modern cityscapes (specifically Tehran), with a particular emphasis on studying urban society, especially women. The works from my Iranian period primarily consisted of socially conscious and critical pieces, some of which were featured in the book 'The Artist, the Censor, and the Nude'." published in America.” "The events unfolding on city walls over time have inspired my artwork, symbolizing tradition and urban life's history, connecting us to modernity. Throughout my career, I've focused on three urban aspects: cityscapes, inhabitants, and urban nature. By wandering cities and capturing photos, I gather material for my paintings. Technically, I prefer direct, uncompromising expression, using vibrant colors and bold black shadows. This approach, like graffiti, effectively conveys urban art themes. Women are central to everything, even more so than men. In literature and art, goodness and beauty are embodied by women; angels are typically depicted as female. What topic is more important? Women's portraits remain timeless. Everyday life is filled with surreal moments: trees displayed in public squares, massive rocks in city intersections, people talking to themselves while on phone calls. These are urban surrealism.
Daryoush Gharahzad an Iranian self-taught artist known for his captivating depictions of urban life. was born in Tehran in 1976 and discovered his passion for art by chance in the city's art market. He began documenting urban life with his camera, which later influenced his paintings. Gharahzad's work blends abstraction, realism, and surrealism, capturing the essence of city life. He has had a successful career in Iran and internationally, with his work featured in prominent auctions and publications. His artistic evolution can be divided into three periods: 1. Exploring walls as silent witnesses to urban stories, 2. Focusing on urban women and their strength in the city, 3. Embracing graffiti techniques to create vibrant, surreal compositions. His paintings have been sold at many auctions such as Sotheby’s, Christies, Bonham’s and the Tehran Auction. Gharahzad's work continues to evolve, reflecting his experiences and exploration of identity, place, and the human condition. He currently resides in the United States.
URBAN WANDERING
Urban wandering has a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations. In Greece and Rome, people would stroll through cities at night for relaxation and philosophical reflection, a practice called "peripateticism." During the Middle Ages, wandering served practical purposes, such as navigating dark streets with the help of moonlight or lanterns. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, as cities like Paris, London, and New York grew, writers and artists like Charles Baudelaire and Walter Benjamin celebrated urban wandering as a way to experience the city's unique rhythms and sights. Today, people continue to explore cities on foot, enjoying the sense of freedom and discovery. Urban wandering also allows for deeper understanding of human behavior and social interactions. In my own work, I explore this through photography, capturing moments of everyday life that reflect the vibrancy and disconnection of modern urban existence.