The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is arguably one of the most famous and valuable historical institutions. Home to over 5,000 years worth of art and artifacts, The Met is dedicated to the collection, study, conservation, and presentation of works from all around the world.
Jason Nazmiyal’s own ideals in terms of the preservation and accessibility of art and history is in line with the museum’s goal, having gifted The Met an exceptional large-scale illustration for their 2021 exhibition Spiritual Pop: Art in 1960s Iran.
Reviewed by Jason Nazmiyal, Founder of the Nazmiyal Collection
Museum Gift Details
Institution: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Exhibition: Spiritual Pop: Art in 1960s Iran
Exhibition Dates: May 20, 2021–December 5, 2021
Curator: Clare Davies
Title: War and Peace
Artist: Ardeshir Mohassess
Date: 1985
Medium: Oil pastel, ink, and graphite on paper
Dimensions: 31⅞ by 39⅞ inches
Type of Involvement: Museum gift
Credit Line: Gift of Jason and Padi Nazmiyal, 2018
Ardeshir Mohassess
Ardeshir Mohassess was an Iranian-born illustrator known for his satirical cartoons and political criticisms. His work was heavily inspired by his own experiences, drawing from the socio-political turmoil in Iran and depicting it with a humorous spin.
His portrayals of every-day life mixed with personal commentary were highly influential to modern Persian satirical art. Mohassess blended both contemporary and traditional styles, using his educational background in political science to inform his work.
Spiritual Pop: Art in 1960s Iran – War and Peace
Titled War and Peace, the donated work is a large-scale mixed-media satirical drawing made in 1985. Mohassess utilized historical forms of art-making as well as traditional Persian motifs. This particular piece showcases a dynamic composition of stylized figures engaging in acts of violence or courtly entertainment before a dominant figure suggested to be a Qajar king.
The piece was part of a larger exhibition curated by Clare Davies, and focused on Iranian works created just before the 1979 Revolution. Titled Spiritual Pop: Art in 1960s Iran, the exhibit sought to highlight a critical point of Iranian history through firsthand creative accounts.
Nazmiyal’s Commitment to Art and Historical Preservation
Jason Nazmiyal is an established collector of fine art and textile-work, having founded the Nazmiyal Collection. For more than four decades, he has worked with historically important antiques from around the world. His antique rug gallery is one of the most respected in the United States and includes an extensive inventory of Persian, Turkish, European, and Oriental rugs.
The donation of this illustration reflects Padi and Jason Nazmiyal’s continued commitment to the preservation of historical works outside of the textile industry. Nazmiyal supports the accessibility of art to the public as well as the educational component inherent in art conservation and collecting.
This particular gift also holds personal significance for Jason Nazmiyal as a Persian collector himself. The illustration is a reflection of heritage as much as it is a significant historical artistic piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
What piece did Nazmiyal gift The Metropolitan Museum of Art?
Padi and Jason Nazmiyal gifted The Met a large-scale illustration titled War and Peace.
Which exhibit was the artwork a part of?
War and Peace was one of several works of art included in the exhibition Spiritual Pop: Art in 1960s Iran.
Why is the piece historically or culturally significant?
This piece is both historically and culturally significant for the socio-political criticisms informing the illustration.
Who was the artist that created the gifted work?
Ardeshir Mohassess was an Iranian-born artist who later resided in New York. His work was largely satirical and dealt with political themes through humorous illustrations.
Does Nazmiyal work with museums and curators?
Yes. Nazmiyal works with museums, curators, galleries, scholars, and exhibition designers through loans, gifts, and other institutional collaborations involving both fine art and historical textiles.
Who curated Spiritual Pop: Art in 1960s Iran?
The exhibit was curated by Clare Davies, the Associate Curator in The Met’s Department of Contemporary Art.
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