Art Funded by you

Untitled

Golnaz Fathi, 2010

© Golnaz Fathi. Photograph by Jonathan Greet. Image courtesy October Gallery, London

The Iranian artist Golnaz Fathi began to experiment with abstract art forms as a means of escaping the rigours and constraints of a formal training in calligraphy. In this work, what at first sight appear to be layers of inscriptions made in Persian Calligraphy , reveal themselves on closer inspection to be abstract, gestural strokes – never quite forming into discernible letters. In places smudged, partly obliterated, or seeming to wander off, trailing over the edges of the canvas, they are open to interpretation by anyone, irrespective of language or identity, and can be read on many different levels. In a political climate where many artists must employ caution in portraying the regime under which they live, a great deal of contemporary Iranian art attempts to bury meaning in layered symbolism. This painting epitomises such a way of working. It is dense with potential meanings and interpretive possibilities, evoking very personal readings and responses. This painting will form the centre of a new collection of work by Iranian artists, brought together to form a central narrative - Iranian Identity in art: bridging the traditional and the contemporary – which is being featured in the new World Stories: Young Voices gallery opening at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery in June 2012.

More information

Title of artwork, date

Untitled, 2010

Date supported

2011

Medium and material

Mixed media on canvas

Dimensions

170 x 140 cm

Grant

4000

Total cost

9999

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

Art Funded by you FAQs

Why is this object record marked 'archive'?
Where can I see this work of art? Is it on display?
What is Art Fund's purpose?
How is Art Fund funded?
What type of funding do you offer?
What does the acquisition grants programme support and who can apply?
How many works of art has Art Fund helped museums to acquire?
I’m a curator/researcher/arts professional and would like to find out more about this work, how do I get in touch?
I’m a journalist and would like to contact Art Fund about this work, how do I get in touch?
I would like to donate a work of art to a museum. What do I need to do?
I'd like to leave a gift to Art Fund in my will. How can I do this?

Contact us

If you have a question about a work of art in our archive, please contact the Programmes team. We’ll be happy to answer your enquiry.