Lot 110: Farhad Ahrarnia (Iranian, b. 1971)

Farhad Ahrarnia (Iranian, b. 1971)
Sepas Googoosh
embroidery with needles on printed cloth
39 3/8 x 38½in. (110 x 98cm.)
Executed in 2006-2007, this work is unique

Googoosh (b.1950) is perhaps the most famous Iranian singer and actress. The peak of her career was during the 1970s, but following the Iranian Revolution in 1979 she remained in Iran until 2000, but could not record or perform again due to the restrictions on solo female singers. Despite this, her following grew, as she held private concerts and her tapes remained in high demand in the black market in Iran. Recently the younger people have rediscovered her music. Outside of Iran, she has a significant following not only in Iran, but also in Afghanistan , and Pakistan, and also around the Middle East. Since 2000 she has performed in large concerts, in Canada, the UK, Dubai, and the United States.