Iran’s vibrant culture has come to Toronto through Hossein Maher’s Monuments exhibition at the Sahar K.Boluki Gallery.  

In a time where the global pandemic has restricted travel, many still long to take a trip abroad and immerse themselves in culture. Iran’s complex history of survival and strength can be seen 

through its traditions, artifacts, and landmarks. Through Hossein Maher’s work, Iran’s architecture is depicted through vivid forms that anchor their historical and cultural significance.  

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Running from December 10, 2020 to January 10, 2021, Monuments is a testament to the spirituality of the nation, the history of its culture, and resilience of its people. Depicting monuments with origins ranging from practical use to being exclusively for the ruling class, the 16 piece exhibition spans across themes of immigration, history, and identity.  

In “Veda”, Hossein Maher portrays a water reservoir in Iran’s Qeshm Island. The shape and stark white colour of this building serve as architectural signatures for the reservoirs and speak to the preservation of Persian artifacts. Similar to its surrounding works, this piece reflects the time period in which it was made and the aesthetics that surrounded it. Having travelled to this location himself, Hossein Maher used red soil from Qeshm Island to make the umber coloured pigment surrounding the building. By bringing the soil from Iran into his artwork, Hossein Maher brings the soul of the people into this gallery in Toronto, allowing us to directly connect with the region and opening a dialogue for us to truly understand its significance.  

Monuments and iconic landmarks such as the Toghrol tower, Shah Shams Sabzwari Tomb, and Karat Minaret are depicted in striking colors and textures. In creating these pieces, Hossein Maher worked with a variety of paints, textiles, and natural elements including handmade rice paper, red sand from Iran’s Queshm Island, and semi-translucent papers glued together with an organic wood based paste. By layering these mediums together, Hossein Maher creates a style reflective of the current state of these buildings which he shares can be characterized by neglect and idle dismissal as they have lost their original purpose. However, while they may be dismissed by passerby, these monuments are a testament to Iran’s past and live powerfully in the hearts of Iranian people across the globe.  

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Gallery Director Sahar Boluki stated, “Maher’s work is the one you come across once in a 

lifetime. His art is not only breathtakingly masterful and intricate, it has also a great deal of philosophical views.”   

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Hossein Maher was born in Iran in 1957 and he has been painting and teaching art since graduating from the Tehran College of Decorative Arts in 1979. His artwork has been exhibited 

in over twenty five solo shows and fifty group shows across the globe. Maher portrays Iran’s multifaceted nature through unique stylization inspired by a combination of his technical training and Iran’s ancient tradition. Mythology, history, spirituality, and Persian culture can all be seen reflected through Maher’s work. Through vivid colour and intentional work, Maher’s paintings critically explore the nation he loves so deeply.  

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