Bahman Mohasses, often hailed as the “Picasso of Iran,” was one of the most influential and controversial modern artists in Iranian history. Renowned for his bold style, sharp social commentary, and mastery of surrealist and cubist techniques, Mohasses created a lasting impact on the world of contemporary art. His works, which spanned painting, sculpture, and theater, continue to be celebrated for their originality and fearless critique of politics, culture, and human existence.
Early Life and Education
Bahman Mohasses was born in 1931 in Rasht, Iran. From an early age, he demonstrated a passion for art and literature, which later shaped his unique approach to creativity. He studied at the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Tehran before continuing his education in Italy, where he was exposed to European modernism. The influence of Western masters such as Picasso, Dali, and Giacometti deeply inspired his artistic journey, yet Mohasses developed a voice that was uniquely his own.
Artistic Style and Influence
Mohasses’s work is characterized by a fusion of modernist abstraction and Persian cultural elements. His paintings often depicted distorted figures, surreal landscapes, and symbolic creatures, reflecting his deep concerns about war, dictatorship, censorship, and human suffering. He earned the title “Picasso of Iran” not only because of his stylistic connections to European modernism but also due to his ability to reinvent forms and challenge traditional norms, much like Picasso himself.
His sculptures, many of which were monumental, also carried powerful messages. Unfortunately, a large number of them were destroyed due to political and cultural upheavals in Iran, leaving only fragments of his legacy behind.
Political Views and Controversy
Bahman Mohasses was never afraid to confront authority through his art. His bold critiques of dictatorship, censorship, and the lack of freedom in society made him a controversial figure. Following the Iranian Revolution in 1979, much of his work was censored or destroyed, and he eventually chose self-imposed exile in Rome, Italy. From there, he continued his work in relative isolation, producing art that questioned power, morality, and the human condition.
Legacy and Recognition
Despite the challenges he faced, Bahman Mohasses remains one of the most important figures in modern Iranian art. His unique vision earned him both admiration and criticism, but his contributions are undeniable. In recent years, documentaries such as “Fifi Howls from Happiness” (2013) have reignited interest in his life and works, shedding light on his powerful artistic voice and tragic sense of exile.
Today, Mohasses is remembered as a visionary who bridged the gap between Iranian culture and Western modernism. His works, scattered across museums and private collections, continue to inspire new generations of artists and art enthusiasts worldwide.
Conclusion
Bahman Mohasses was more than just an artist—he was a fearless thinker who used his creativity to challenge the status quo. Known as the “Picasso of Iran,” his legacy reflects courage, innovation, and the power of art to transcend borders. Though much of his work was lost, the surviving pieces stand as a testament to his genius and his role in shaping the modern art movement in Iran and beyond.