Nicky Nodjoumi: Let’s Talk
Born in Kermanshah, Iran, in 1942, Brooklyn-based artist Nicky Nodjoumi has developed a significant career that seamlessly integrates art with themes of global political discourse. His educational odyssey commenced at the Tehran University of Fine Arts and culminated with a Master’s in Fine Arts from The City College of New York in 1974. His return to Tehran, joining the faculty of his alma mater, marked a pivotal moment in his artistic journey.
During an intense cultural and political transformation in Iran, Nodjoumi’s creative expression found new avenues, particularly in his political posters. His experiences during this time profoundly influenced his artistic voice. This influence is evident in his figurative paintings, which beautifully merge his Iranian heritage with his experiences in the United States. Described by Phong Bui as creating “theatrical stages,” his art presents “meanings without irony, narratives without stories, humor without morality,” thus fostering a deep awareness of history, both old and new. His profound yet witty paintings depict a range of socio-political themes through diverse characters.
Nodjoumi’s work has gained international acclaim, with exhibitions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the British Museum in London, the Guggenheim Museum in Abu Dhabi, the DePaul Art Museum in Chicago, and the National Museum of Cuba.
ADVOCARTSY Gallery in Los Angeles is excited to host “Nicky Nodjoumi: A Satirical Chronicle of Politics and Power,” his first solo exhibition in the city. This exhibition, featuring 12 iconic works, showcases Nodjoumi’s exploration of the relationship between politics and power, a theme he has pursued since the 1960s and the New York Times recognized Nodjoumi in 2020 as one of the 25 most influential protest artists since World War II, noting his ability to critique politics through satirical, monumental oil paintings.
The exhibition coincides with “A Revolution on Canvas,” an HBO documentary based on Nodjoumi’s life, which will have a Limited Theatrical Release in Los Angeles at the Royal Laemmle from December 8 – 15, 2023. Directed by Sara Nodjoumi and co-directed by Till Schauder, the documentary explores over 100 of Nodjoumi’s paintings and his impact as a seminal Iranian modern artist.
The public is invited to the opening reception at ADVOCARTSY’s West Hollywood gallery on Saturday, December 9th, 2023, from 5-8 pm. The exhibition will run until January 13th, 2024, during regular gallery hours from Wednesday to Saturday, 11-5 pm, or by appointment.
