Morad Tahbaz's Artwork
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Morad's diverse body of work includes drawings, paintings, engravings, carpets, and sculptures. Many of these pieces were conceived or created during his time in Evin Prison, reflecting a profound journey of artistic expression under extraordinary circumstances.
Morad was held in solitary confinement for over 120 days and given food through a slat at the base of a metal door. The lights in his cell blazed at all hours. He was allowed to step outside twice a day for just ten minutes, and only while wearing a blindfold. All he had were his thoughts, and even those were constantly interrupted by interrogation sessions coupled with mental and physical abuse.
To pass the time and maintain his sanity, he looked for animal shapes in the stone walls of his cell. He would tell himself how blessed he had been to see the world’s magnificent fauna and flora. Finding anything pleasant—even if it only existed in his imagination—made him calm and patient.
For example, Evin’s tall, ancient poplar trees were filled with families of Alexandrine Parakeets, which had nested there for decades. Their loud squawks were the sound of life, noisy and raucous. Nobody seemed to realize the irony of their having taken refuge in Iran’s most notorious prison compound.
Morad's work is characterized by his enduring passion for wildlife, a wellspring of creative inspiration, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. These elements not only sustained his mental state during confinement but allowed his vision to evolve and flourish. Viewers are invited to explore this collection, which stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless nature of artistic expression.
Inspiration
The following imagery served as a source of inspiration and a sense of kinship for Morad while imprisoned:
The Cypress Tree
Symbolism of the Cypress Tree
The Persian Lion
Symbolism of the Persian Lion
The Caspian Tiger
Symbolism of the Caspian Tiger