Mahmood Sabzi (Born 1951) Iranian/American, Limited Edition Screen Print. Signed in pen bottom left. Numbered 42/95 in pen bottom right. Label from framer on back at bottom. 

Overall Size: 22 x 18 in. 

Sight Size: 15 x 11 in. 

Mahmood Sabzi, professionally known simply as Sabzi, was born in Ahvaz, Iran in 1951. He began painting when he was twelve years old, and eventually earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering at the University of Jundi Shapur. Initially, Sabzi made realistic paintings inspired by his country’s history and culture. When Ruhollah Khomeini rose to power, however, he went into exile to avoid being arrested for his outspoken criticism of the Supreme Leader, settling first in Germany and then immigrating to the United States in the mid 1980s. During this period, he experimented with figurative and abstract styles, creating a distinctive Impressionist aesthetic. He spent only a few months in New York before permanently settling in southern California. Each of his moves was captured in his paintings, as changes to his style reflected changes in his environment. According to Sabzi, he draws his base inspiration from the Persian rugs created by his mother. Critics have analyzed Sabzi’s painting style in the largest context of Middle Eastern conflicts, and liken his status as an artist-in-exile to the author Salman Rushdie, although Sabzi rarely paints overtly revolutionary themes. Rather, the majority of his works focus on feminine forms, frequently pale-skinned slender women in cubist shapes, fashionable and vibrant, which in itself is directly contrasting the severe, austere clothing and coverings forced upon women in the Islamic Republic of Iran. However, they are often in various moods, dreamy poses, and sometimes overlapping, which critics suggest implies the internal conflict inherent in freedom of expression. He has also stated that his later influences were the Modernist works of Paul Cézanne and Henri Matisse, as well as the 13th Century poet Rumi. Today, numerous other artists have been inspired by his style, and his art can be found in various private collections and public museums throughout the West and East Coasts.