Lot 151: - Mostafa Darehbaghi , Iranian B. 1966 I'm In Good Shape acrylic, photographic collage, plexiglass, install cut of maple blocks on board

signed; signed, titled and dated 2006 on the reverse acrylic, photographic collage, plexiglass, install cut of maple blocks on board

measurements note 121.7 by 137 by 9cm.; 48 by 54 by 3 1/2 in.

Through abstract mixed media paintings Darehbaghi engages in a discourse on the relation between perception and reality. I'm In Good Shape is a product of Darehbaghi's context. Motivating this work is the character of the Pahlavan, a brave Parsi. The Parsis were one the oldest tribes of Persia; they were from the southwest of what is present-day Iran. The title Pahlavan is only bestowed on people who exhibit extreme physical prowess, unwavering bravery, infinite kindness, and great benevolence. The Pahlavan is a character from Iranian history and culture, a heroic figure to be looked up to and to be emulated even today. In any instant, when a street performer cries "I'm in good shape.......I'm the Pahlavan.... I'm the most powerful of all.... I'm famous...I'm...," a crowd of spectators immediately gathers around. I'm In Good Shape invites the viewer to investigate his connection to the Pahlavan as an actual persona from times gone by and as an ideal. The viewer is asked to ponder how he regards himself and his surrounding in juxtaposition with romanticized notions of the perfect man and his era; these notions have been made all the more poignant today by a widespread nostalgic view of the past and a pessimistic stance on the present. The colour swatches scattered around the work signify the multiplicity of ways in which one can read the piece, look at reality, or even perceive oneself.