Abbas Kiarostami

Dubai, Meem Gallery, Parviz Tanavoli and Abbas Kiarostami, 2009-2010

Condition: This work is in very good condition. There is an extremely minor indent to the canvas on the top left corner, barely visible. Colour: The catalogue illustration is very accurate; however, the overall tonality is more greyish in the actual work.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

One of Iran's most accomplished visionaries, Abbas Kiarostami is known for both his notable contributions to world cinema and photography. A key player in the New Wave Cinema movement in Iran, Kiarostami is a figure-head of a cinematic style that emerged in 1969 employing poetic dialogue and symbolism to grapple with questions of socio-political and philosophical significance.

Abbas Kiarostami's films are couched in a romantic narrative, but they are a grim treatise on everyday life and the human condition, conversely though, his photography is considered a celebration of nature. In the series Snow White Kiarostami captures the natural beauty of the Iranian landscape in monochrome. The contrast of light and shadow and black and white in these lyrical snow-scapes is both introspective and deeply moving, by capturing the grandeur of the pristine natural world Kiarostami provides a welcome escape from the everyday.

In the present work the artist provides a sweeping view of mountain tops capped with snow, framing a cloud of ravens. This shot is arguably the most dramatic from the entire series, and is a breathtaking meditation on the vastness of nature.