Contemporary Iran

Iranian graphic design has a rich history, with the first poster designers completing independent artistic training in the 1960s. However, the Islamic Republic in 1979 and the First Gulf War interrupted this. At the end of the 1980s, a new generation of designers took up the graphic heritage of the pre-war period. The volume Contemporary Iran brings together Iranian cultural posters from 1960 to the present, demonstrating the search for a fusion of history and contemporaneity, Iran's own tradition and Western inspiration, art and everyday culture.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 04 July 2023
Publisher: Lars Muller Publishers

Iranian graphic design boasts a rich and storied history, with the first poster designers emerging in the 1960s after completing independent artistic training. These pioneers crafted painterly-illustrative works that reflected a unique blend of Iranian culture and Western influences. The opening to the West under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi fostered a global cultural exchange, which continued to thrive until the proclamation of the Islamic Republic in 1979 and the First Gulf War (1980–1988). However, this period of artistic growth was abruptly halted.

Towards the end of the 1980s, a new generation of designers took up the mantle of preserving the graphic heritage of the pre-war period. These designers sought to blend history, contemporaneity, Iranian tradition, and Western inspiration in their work. The turn of the millennium marked a significant milestone for Iranian poster design, as it began to gain international recognition and acclaim.

The book Contemporary Iran serves as a comprehensive collection of Iranian cultural posters from 1960 to the present. Despite the diverse range of creative approaches, these posters consistently showcase a relentless pursuit of harmony between history and modernity, Iranian heritage, and Western influences. An unconventional interpretation of Persian cultural heritage is intertwined with the confident use of computer-generated graphics, resulting in posters that confirm, challenge, and surprise us.

Some posters embrace common Western notions of Islamic aesthetics, while others subvert and challenge these perceptions. These posters offer a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of the complex interplay between culture, identity, and visual representation. They remind us of the power of art to transcend boundaries and spark meaningful conversations.

In conclusion, Iranian graphic design has a fascinating history that reflects the country's rich cultural heritage and its ongoing exploration of the intersection between tradition and modernity. The posters showcased in Contemporary Iran serve as a testament to the creativity, innovation, and resilience of the Iranian design community, and they continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.

Dimension: 240 x 165 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783037787304