Nazgol Ansarinia, Honoured at the Museum of Arts and Design NYC

The Abraaj Capital Art Prize yielded three spectacular winners in this last March's 'Art Dubai exhibit.'  The exhibit featured work from artists of the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA). 

One of the works which caught our eye and a prize of $200,000 was the work of Nazgol Ansarinia of Iran, titled Rhyme and Reason.  Ansarinia transformed otherwise traditional Persian motifs to integrate new life in Iran.  As Ansarinia's curator Leyla Fakhr stated: "Mostly perceived as a precious commodity, the Persian Carpet has been the most utilized object for Iranians throughout history.  While we have become numbed to the repetition of floral shapes, Ansarinia prompts us to have a closer look at what is being taken for granted."

Above: Showcased in Dubai, Nazgol Ansarinia's Rhyme and Reason

Above: Detail photograph of the carpet with people embraced in traditional Eslimi design element.

Above:  Palmette and people border of Rhyme and Reason

It's quite an interesting concept.  In regards to otherwise traditional Persian Rugs, there are designs which have incorporated busts of Shahs, European royalty, and in some cases mythological characters.  However, with exception to tribal rugs with what may be considered crude, geometric interpretations of man and woman, there are very few examples of carpets which demonstrate a day in the life celebration similar to Ansarinia's work.

Ansarinia's work is currently showcased in the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City on the 2nd Floor Gallery. 

Information on the Rug

• Carpet, handwoven wool, silk, cotton
• 11 ft., 5 13/16 in. x 98 7/16 in. (350 x 250 cm)
  
• This work forms part of the Abraaj Capital Art Collection. Produced in collaboration by artist Nazgol Ansarinia and curator Leyla Fakhr, it was unveiled at Art Dubai 2009 for the Abraaj Capital Art Prize.

For information on the Museum of Arts and Design

http://madmuseum.org/

2 COLUMBUS CIRCLE    

NEW YORK, NY    10019    

212.299.7777

Sources:

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/press_releases/detail/39687

http://universes-in-universe.org/eng/nafas/articles/2009/abraaj_capital_art_prize_2009_winners

http://universes-in-universe.org/eng/nafas/articles/2009/abraaj_capital_art_prize_2009_winners/photos

http://collections.madmuseum.org/code/emuseum.asp?emu_action=searchrequest&moduleid=1&profile=objects&currentrecord=1&style=single&rawsearch=id/,/is/,/7532/,/false/,/true

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