The main inspiration for my projects comes from political and social issues. Most of my projects are direct answers to situations I observe and connections I make with the historical past of my country. I have often had conflicted feelings about this approach and have always looked at artworks that are disconnected from political issues, that are beautiful and important for art history, with envy. But, I was born in Iran, grew up after the Revolution and during the Iran-Iraq War period (1980-1988). I have found it difficult to create artworks disconnected from my surroundings.
BIOGRAPHY
Mahmoud Bakhshi Moakhar, was born in 1977. He lives and works in Tehran. He studied graphic art and visual arts at Tehran University, specialising in sculpture. Mahmoud explores various mediums: sculpture, installations, but also photography and video. He has become internationally well-known as a result of a number of group exhibitions, and has exhibited in Berlin, Paris, London, Athens and Beijing. Author of ‘Sculpture’, a textbook for art schools in Iran, Bakhshi was once Editor in Chief and Art Director of Mojassameh (sculpture) magazine.
EDUCATION
2001
Sculpture B.A., Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Iran
1995
Graphics Diploma, Tehran, Iran
SOLO EXHIBITION
2010
Magic of Persia Contemporary Art Prize (MOPCAP) 2009 Winner’s Exhibition, Saatchi Gallery, London, UK
2009
Tulips rise from the blood of the nation's youth, Azad Art Gallery, Tehran, Iran
2007
Solo Show (Namayeshgah-e-Enferadi), Ave Gallery, Tehran, Iran
2006
Mahmoud's Driving School, Tehran Gallery, Tehran, Iran
2004
Oh ABOLFAZL, three openings - exhibition (Bazaar mosque, at Enghelab street, at Golestan gallery),
Tehran, Iran
2002
Barg Gallery, Tehran, Iran
2001
Barg Gallery, Tehran, Iran
2000
Barg Gallery, Tehran, Iran
GROUP EXHIBITION
2009
Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac, Paris, France
Untitled (from: rosegarden), Khastoo Gallery, Los Angeles, US
Magic of Persia Contemporary Art Prize (MOP CAP) hosted at the Royal Academy of Art, London, UK
2008
Iran: New Voices (Exploring contemporary Iranian film and video art) Barbican Centre, London, UK
Lion under the rainbow (contemporary art from Tehran), Athens, Greece
In the state of weightlessness, Silk Road Gallery, Tehran, Iran
2006
Asia Art Now, Alternative space Loop, Seoul; 2007 Arario Gallery, Beijing, China
Iran.com - Iranian Art today, Museum of New Art, Freiburg, Germany
Eastern Expressway, Evangelische Stadtakademie, Frankfurt, Germany
2005
Rebel Minds Gallery, Berlin, Germany
2004
Victim, Niavaran artistic creations foundation, Tehran 11th Bangladesh Biennial, Dakha, Bangladesh
2003
Exhibition of a spiritual vision, Museum of Contemporary Art, Tehran Cite international des Arts, Paris, France
2002
Exhibition of New Art, Museum of Contemporary Art, Tehran, Iran
3rd Tehran sculpture Biennial, Niavaran artistic creations foundation, Tehran, Iran
2001
1st exhibition of conceptual Art, Museum of Contemporary Art, Tehran, Iran
2000
2nd Tehran sculpture Biennial, Museum of Contemporary Art, Tehran, Iran
AWARDS AND RESIDENCIES
2010
Delfina Foundation, London, UK
2009
Winner of Magic of Persia Contemporary Art Prize (MOPCAP)
2007
Six months residency in Changdong Art Studio, Seoul, SOuth Korea
2002
Second prize of the third Tehran Sculpture Biennial, Niavaran artistic creations foundation, Tehran, Iran
Research scholarship in Cite international des Arts, Paris, France
2000
Honor plaque from the second Tehran Sculpture Biennial, Museum of Contemporary Art, Tehran, Iran
PUBLICATIONS AND RELATED ACTIVITIES
2004
Author of Sculpture, a textbook for art schools in Iran
Creation of Bongah Publication
2001
Editor in chief and art director of Mojassameh (sculpture) magazine, (No.1-7)