Iranian artist turns scrap metal objects into artefacts
By Leila Imeni
Staff writer
When it comes to Iranian handicrafts and arts, people often think of carpet weaving, kilim weaving, inlay work, woodcarving, and leatherworking. However, the true scope of Iranian artists’ talents stretches far beyond these familiar arts, including many creations that fewer people may be aware of. One extraordinary example is the production of sculptures from metal waste, crafted by a talented artist from Tabriz in East Azarbaijan Province.
At first glance, one might not guess that the raw materials used to create these beautiful and delicate artworks — crafted with remarkable attention to detail — were once discarded vehicle parts. Adel Pasha, who has been a shoemaker for forty years, began creating sculptures from metal waste six years ago. In an interview with Iran Daily at the International Tourism and Handicrafts Exhibition of Khorasan Razavi in Mashhad, he said: “I produce different items; for example, I make metal tanks and trailers from Pride brake pads, motorcycle timing gears, Nissan timing chain.” He has also built several sculptures for the Tabriz Municipality, including a large sculpture of a horse installed in a park, which visitors can even ride.
A sculpture depicts a person weaving a carpet, a replica of Tabriz Municipality building, and a large sculpture of a dog are some of the artworks he has made for the Tabriz Municipality.
When asked about his customers, he mentioned: “Balance sculptures, one of the artworks I produce, usually purchased by children. This particular piece is made from waste materials such as jam jar lids, satellite dish rods, and similar items and car sculptures often find buyers among owners of auto galleries.”
Waste materials like timing chains, screws and nuts, bearings, fans, ball bearings, steering components, and engine parts from gearboxes are transformed into beautiful works of art by this talented artist. Each of his creations is a symbol of his creativity and ingenuity, highlighting the hidden value of discarded objects like vehicle parts.
He mainly sells his artworks through participation in handicraft exhibitions and through his personal social media channels. His range of products also includes sculptures of tractors and trailers, musical instruments such as guitars and the traditional Persian tar, locomotives, cameras, insect models like mosquitoes and cockroaches, motorcycles, vintage cars, mannequins, and more — many of which attract much attention from visitors.
Although he has worked alone in a small workshop up to now and currently does not have apprentices, he is eager to expand his workshop and aims to teach this art form to others. This artist transforms lifeless waste into sculptures full of vitality and meaning. Chains that have been abandoned, rusted springs, scattered car and motorcycle parts — everything gains a new identity in his talented hands.
Having participated in numerous exhibitions, he previously mentioned that one of his future plans is to hold exhibitions abroad to showcase Iranian art and culture beyond the borders of the country. His next goal is to shift his focus onto creating sculptures symbolizing nature — such as trees, flowers, insects, and natural landscapes — using his artistic vision.