From Tehran studios to global museums, Iranian artists balance visibility and risk, using tradition and modernity to test the boundaries of what can be said
An untitled painting by Farhad Moshiri from his jar series, at Sotheby's auction rooms in London, 2016. Credit: Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP
From Tehran studios to global museums, Iranian artists balance visibility and risk, using tradition and modernity to test the boundaries of what can be said
03:55 AM • April 09 2026 IDT
In late March 2016, Parviz Tanavoli was arrested at Tehran's airport for "disturbing public peace." The Iranian sculptor, now 88, did not understand what was wanted from him at the time. "I didn't do anything, and they didn't tell me anything. I am not a political person. I am just an artist," he told The Guardian when he was allowed to fly to London, where he gave a lecture.
Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot also condemned Israel's "massive strikes" on Lebanon, stating that the country must be included in a ceasefire agreement.
The IDF added that overnight strikes targeted two key crossings used by Hezbollah operatives to move between areas north and south of the Litani River and transfer weapons.
This was adopted "in accordance with Costa Rica's international commitments in fighting terrorism and its financing," the Foreign Ministry wrote on X/Twitter.
The Artemis II crew, flying in their Orion capsule since launching from Florida last week, are due to splash down off the Southern California coast on Friday.