In memoriam of Behjat Sadr (1924-2009)

Behjat Sadr (1924-2009), great master and pioneer of Iranian modern painting whose works have been exhibited in major cities across the world died on Monday’s afternoon, August 10 by heart attack in south of France.
Behjat Sadr was born in Arak in 1924. Sadr began her studies at the University of Tehran faculty of fine arts. After her graduation, she won a scholarship to the Accademia di Belle Arti in Rome at the Naples Academy of Fine Arts. Sadr's first major exhibition was at the twenty-eighth Venice Biennial in 1956. In 1957, Sadr returned to the University of Tehran as a member of faculty. Sadr was diagnosed with breast cancer in the late 1990s, but has continued to paint. She is the first female modern contemporary painter to be considered on the same level as her male colleagues in Iran.

His close friend, M. F. Farzaneh wrote as an introduction for her book in 2002:
There have always been artists who give priority to the advancement of art rather than seeking popularity and marketing their works. To do this, they not only break the conventions of their time, but also they hardly appreciate their own creation, because they are after something never. They also posses a strong will and great perseverance.
The number of such artists is limited and concerning their societies, their chance to succeed is slim and their chance to fail is great. Behjat Sadr is such an artist who has been challenging his society for years to open new horizons to Iranian painting. Has she been successful?
We must find the answer to this question in the history of Iranian Art. It is certain that Behjat Sadr has understood the meaning of Modernity and used it properly.

Oli on canvas, Artist’s collection
Photo collage and oil painting on paper, 1990, 50x60 cm
Oli on canvas, 80x120cm, 1974, Artist’s collection
Drap over oil painting on canvas, 1967, 145x105 cm (Winner of the UNESCO Award)

Photo by Hadi Shafaa-yee, Majid Abbasi private collection


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