Rustin Zarkar has written a lengthy and very interesting article about public art in Mashhad for Ajam Media Collective. This – and especially the images – deserve more than one posting.
As across Iran, public art in Mashhad previously concentrated on images related to the Iran-Iraq war. More recently, there have been attempts to diversify this – to include: images of the shrine; images of the natural world around the city; and traditional Iranian crafts; as well as attempts to promote morality.
Here’s a mural juxtaposing urban and rural life:
And another mural showcasing Iranian craftsmanship:
And one replicating a miniature painting showing traditional Iranian craftsmen at work:
And finally, here is a sculpture of a son carrying his mother – aimed at promoting moral behaviour:
