The Asia Society Museum is an educational and cultural institution with locations across the world, including New York City. Asia Society Museum was originally established as an informative archive preserving Asian diasporic history. 2026 marks Asia Society’s 70th anniversary, something especially meaningful for the New York location, which was the first established location in their global network.
With a special interest in antiques, Jason Nazmiyal has collaborated with Asia Society on more than one occasion. While primarily involved with textiles, he is similarly interested in the preservation of fine art and gifted Ardeshir Mohassess’ untitled 1974 illustration in 2021.
Reviewed by Jason Nazmiyal, Founder of the Nazmiyal Collection
Museum Gift Details
Institution: Asia Society Museum
Title: Untitled
Artist: Ardeshir Mohassess
Date: 1974
Medium: Ink and colored pencil on paper
Dimensions: 10 x 18 inches
Type of Involvement: Museum gift
Credit line: Gift of Jason Nazmiyal
Ardeshir Mohassess
Ardeshir Mohassess was an Iranian artist known for his satirical cartoons and socio-political commentary. His stylized illustrations of everyday life in Iran were heavily informed by his educational background in political science as well as his personal experiences. His work offers a unique insight into pre-Revolution Iran, putting a humorous spin on often heavy topics.
Mohassess famously blended contemporary and traditional styles in his work, influencing modern Persian artists. He eventually moved to New York where his practice became more established and well-known, though his subject matter always reflected the current happenings in Iran with an emphasis on human nature.
The Untitled Work
The donated piece is a 1974 moderately-sized drawing with illustrations on both the front and back sides of the page. It was created using ink and colored pencil on paper with highly stylized figures portrayed on either side.
The main image is made up of two components: a man, and a suited leg wearing a tailored shoe. The man is blindfolded with his arms handcuffed behind him, and he is leaning down to lick the very boot that is stomping through his back and out his chest. Even sans context, the illustration is an obviously poignant piece of political commentary.
The back of the page is similar in style, portraying a colorless and stylistically drawn group of women, all walking in a line and seemingly in conversation with one another. In comparison to the front of the page, this illustration’s lack of color, shading, and environment suggests an unfinished quality that further confirms the authentic nature of Mohassess’ work.
Nazmiyal’s Commitment to Art and Historical Preservation
Jason Nazmiyal is a well respected collector, specializing in antique rugs and having founded Nazmiyal Collection. His commitment to the preservation, study, and appreciation of antique and vintage objects, however, is not limited only to textiles, and extends into the realm of fine art, collecting beautiful, creative pieces.
Jason Nazmiyal’s personal background as an Iranian collector gives the untitled gifted work additional significance. The illustration is a reflection of heritage as well as a work of art, and is not the first of Mohassess’ pieces to be donated to a museum by Nazmiyal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the donated piece have a title?
No, the donated artwork is untitled.
Is Ardeshir Mohassess’ work political?
Yes. Ardeshir Mohassess used his background in political science to create satirical cartoons that criticized Iranian politics.
What is the donated work?
The donated artwork is a double-sided political illustration made with ink and color pencil on paper.
Why is Ardeshir Mohassess’ work important?
Ardeshir Mohassess provided important socio-political commentary through his art. His depictions of life in Iran serve as artistic historical accounts.
Does Nazmiyal work with museums?
Yes, Nazmiyal has worked with museums and curators in several instances, including donations, loans, and other institutional collaborations.
Explore More
Learn more about Nazmiyal’s artistic endeavors through the Nazmiyal Museum Archive, including collaborations with The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Whitney Museum of American Art, The Morgan Library & Museum, and other cultural institutions.