I was shocked with pleasure and admiration when I went to see the works by Ahmad Morshedloo at Arya gallery last week. The paintings were awesomely wonderful. Most modern, drastically real and yes, I can use the word fantastic.

When I had received the invitation card, which later I found had used an image from the net, I had just put it aside. It didn't in any way inspire me to go all the way downtown in this terrible traffic and see works that had been so badly presented in that card.

But then I had to drop by to pick up a small present for a friend's birthday from the gallery, and I can not tell you how pleased I was when I saw these fantastic works! Mr. Morshedloo is a young painter, but a very good one in my opinion. And I was deeply pleased to learn the Modern Art Museum has bought one of his works as well; the extended hand in front of which the artist has allowed me to take a picture of him.

Morshedloo's canvases were large, and in his works I could see deep emotion so beautifully portrayed of the nasty life we live without feeling sorry; just presenting it is so touching. There were about 8-9 paintings in the exhibition, but they were worth a thousand. These works were so refreshing and so new. It enlightens my heart to see these young artists working so well. You can bet that I shall be going to all Mr. Morshedloo's future exhibitions, and I do see a great future for him.

Best wishes to him and all our hard working young artists. I am beginning to see the wisdom of a friend who thinks Iran has a great future.

... Payvand News - 1/21/04 ... --