A Miracle for the Whole World is Mehdi Farhadian’s first solo exhibition in Dubai. In this new series of works Farhadian departs from his usual references to history and architecture and instead explores nature and man’s relationship to the natural forces that surround, using magical imagery to evoke a nostalgic longing for the past whilst hinting at a futuristic utopia. Large-scale mountain ranges, wide skies and forest scenes reference the artist’s childhood memories of Northern Iran, with the ever present protagonists appearing small and insignificant against these vast landscapes.

Farhadian invites the viewer to contemplate a time bygone and to consider the universal and ever-present power of nature. Rocks and clouds, streams and woods, women and men, birds and beasts immerse themselves in Mother Nature appearing to enjoy the sensuality of the long grass, the deep forests and soothing waters; captivated by the majestic beauty of their surroundings.  And yet, looking at the works deep feelings of longing and sense of unease and ambiguity are ever-present. Is this a message of hope towards utopia or one of the hopelessness, struggle or defeat of mankind?

If you like Peter Doig, Neo Rauch and David Hockney then this exhibition is worth checking out.

Exhibitions runs till 10 June 2013. 

Farhadian was born in 1980, and graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Tehran University with an MFA in Painting. He has held two solo exhibitions at Mah Art Gallery, Tehran and in 2011 he was shortlisted for the Magic of Persia Contemporary Art Prize (MOPCAP).  He has exhibited in international group exhibitions in Paris, Beijing and New York most notably In the Mood for Paper, F2 Gallery, Beijing; Iran Inside Out, Chelsea Museum, New York and Iran Without Border Galerie Almine Rech, Paris.  Farhadian currently lives and works in Tehran.