Paintings by Irandokht Mohasses on display on her 92nd birthday
By Sadeq Dehqan
Staff writer
Irandokht Mohasses, a pioneer painter and researcher in the field of visual arts, celebrates her 92nd birthday by unveiling her solo exhibition at Laleh Art Gallery in Tehran.
Renowned as the most significant figure in the world of Iranian cartoon and caricature, she has left an unforgettable mark on the nation’s artistic landscape.
Mohasses embarked on a journey in the realm of cartoon, tirelessly contributing her talent to Iranian publications from 1966 to 1978. Her works introduced numerous artists to the Iranian cartoon and caricature community during this period.
After completing her primary studies in Rasht and Tehran, she graduated in the field of painting from the University of Tehran in 1964. She continued her education in Paris and later returned to the University of Tehran to become an art instructor.
Irandokht Mohasses is the sister of Ardeshir Mohasses, a prominent Iranian caricaturist. Together, they published a book in 1973 titled, ‘Selected Works of French Caricaturists,’ which was a summary of a French book, via Amir Kabir Publication. Ardeshir made selections from the book, while Irandokht handled the translation. This book played an important role in shaping the Iranian cartoon scene of that era.
Irandokht is the first person to find an equivalent term for “cartoon” in Iran, calling it “graphic humor”.
Although not commonly considered a cartoonist, Irandokht Mohasses undeniably influenced the world of cartoon. Her efforts in translating books by renowned cartoonists from around the world and introducing them to Iranian society, particularly art enthusiasts, have been invaluable in familiarizing the younger generation with the history and evolution of cartoon art in
Iran.
Furthermore, Irandokht’s fame was not limited to writing numerous articles in reputable art publications but she is also a pioneering figure in publishing specialized art books.
Mohammad Ali Saeedi, the director of Laleh Art Gallery, shared his views about Irandokht Mohasses’ exhibition with Iran Daily.
Irandokht Mohasses is the sister of Ardeshir Mohasses, a prominent Iranian cartoonist, and the cousin of Bahman Mohasses, a leading Iranian painter, sculptor, and translator. The Mohasses family has played a “pivotal role” in the Iranian visual arts scene, he added.
“Irandokht Mohasses was actively teaching visual arts in universities during the 1980s and 1990s. Many current professors in universities were once her students. It has been several years since she last held an exhibition, and her contribution to contemporary Iranian art, especially in the context of modern Iranian art, has not received the recognition it deserves.”
Therefore, “a solo exhibition of her paintings” was required to introduce her art to the younger generation, he noted.
In this exhibition, a selection of 33 of her works, from the 1930s to the 1950s, which have significantly contributed to introducing modern Iranian art are on display. Some of these paintings were created in Iran, while others were crafted during her time in France.”
He further noted, “Her Iranian paintings depict an intimate atmosphere and portray aspects of rural life in Iran, showcasing artistic excellence and nostalgic charm, greatly appealing to both art enthusiasts and painters.”
The director of Laleh Art Gallery emphasized that Irandokht Mohasses played a crucial and fundamental role in shaping modern Iranian art. Saeedi concluded that while the number of Irandokht Mohasses’ paintings is not many, their importance in “shaping modern Iranian art” cannot be overstated.
Her contributions have been invaluable in fostering a deeper appreciation of this art form. The exhibition of Irandokht Mohasses’ paintings will be open to the public from November 4 to 21, except on
holidays.