Artistic creation can symbolise a subtle confluence between elements that may seem contradictory to whomever is careful enough. For over four decades, Iranian artist Reza Derakshani has epitomised the encounter between Western and Eastern cultures, between figurative and abstract art, between unique technical command and spontaneous gesture. As a nomadic child growing up in the heights of the Alborz mountains, Reza Derakshani discovered nature’s immensity and freedom in all matters. He would keep this understanding forever.

For his first solo exhibition at Opera Gallery Paris, the artist wanted to resume his “Hunting” cycle, which he undertook some years ago. Under the evocative title “A Radiant Fernweh”, this new collection of twenty-two canvas paintings, created especially for this exhibit, continues the distinguished tradition of rupestrian paintings, as well as the classical genre of ancient and medieval hunting scenes, which not only provided sustenance but also enabled assertion of power and symbolic exchange. Thanks to his open-mindedness and deep knowledge of Iranian heritage, Reza can perceive the pictorial space as a place for dialogue between different civilisations which seem utterly opposite, and without lapsing into prejudice.

Inspired by the manuscripts of the Persian empire’s Royal Court, these works remind us of how ourtimes are deeply rooted in a millennial history to be rediscovered in the light of our present in the making.