Sirak Melkonian Abstract Acrylic Painting, 1983

Item Details

Sirak Melkonian (Iran, born 1931)
Untitled (abstract), 1983
Acrylic painting on paper
Signed and dated to the lower left

A founder of the Iranian modern art movement, Sirak Melkonian’s work pushed the boundaries and preconceived notions of what Iranian art was in the mid-20th century. Melkonian works in a variety of mediums and techniques including painting, drawing, linoleum cut, and intaglio prints. Early in his artistic career, he pursued a more traditional figurative approach in his work, which allowed him to break into the art scene in Iran and abroad and won him the Imperial Court Prize at the Tehran Biennale in 1958. Although it was his figurative works that drew attention to his talent, it was Melkonian’s abstract works that have set his reputation as a pioneer. Melkonian shifted his artistic style toward abstraction In the 1960s and really honed it in the 1970s. A great theme among his works during this period feature compositions of a topographical nature, many of which grasp the essence of the Iranian landscape. Melkonian’s work has been exhibited and collected worldwide. The artist currently resides in Toronto, Canada.

Condition

- creases to the corners; rough edges; toning and discoloration; adhesive residue to the verso; stray paint to the verso.

Dimensions

Item #

ITMG878658