David Cohen's 2014 Review of Ali Banisadr's Debut at Sperone Westwater
Artcritical has reissued David Cohen's review of Ali Banisadr's inaugural solo exhibition, "Motherboard," which took place at Sperone Westwater from March 1 to April 19, 2014, in New York City. The Iranian-born artist, who grew up in California and now resides in Brooklyn, showcased vibrant scenes across three floors, drawing inspiration from diverse cultures and artists. His experiences during the Iran-Iraq war and his journey to the U.S. significantly shape his artistic expression. Banisadr, an alumnus of the School of Visual Arts and the New York Academy, created pieces like "Motherboard" (2013) and "Ran" (2014), characterized by abstract forms and emotional detachment. Cohen notes similarities to Cecily Brown and Matta, while critiquing the polished nature of Banisadr's work.
Key facts
- Ali Banisadr's debut solo show at Sperone Westwater was titled "Motherboard" and ran from March 1 to April 19, 2014.
- The exhibition was located at 257 Bowery in New York City.
- Banisadr is Iranian-born, California-raised, and Brooklyn-based, having immigrated to the U.S. at age 12.
- His artistic influences include Pieter Brueghel the Elder, André Masson, Wifredo Lam, Gerhard Richter, Walt Disney, San Francisco graffiti, and Mughal miniatures.
- Banisadr studied at the School of Visual Arts and the New York Academy, with Jeffrey Deitch commenting on his skill acquisition in a catalogue essay.
- Key works featured were "Motherboard" (2013) and the triptych "Ran" (2014), with compositions evoking historical battle scenes.
- David Cohen's review describes the paintings as essentially abstract despite figurative elements, focusing on balance and movement.
- The review was republished by artcritical in 2017 as part of a series highlighting archival posts.
Entities
Artists
- Ali Banisadr
- Pieter Brueghel the Elder
- André Masson
- Wifredo Lam
- Gerhard Richter
- Walt Disney
- Barry McGee
- Margaret Kilgallen
- Jeffrey Deitch
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Michelangelo
- Cecily Brown
- Matta
- Willem de Kooning
- Hieronymus Bosch
Institutions
- Sperone Westwater
- School of Visual Arts
- New York Academy
- Leslie Tonkonow
- artcritical
Locations
- New York City
- United States
- Iran
- Tehran
- Turkey
- California
- Brooklyn
- San Francisco
- Bay Area
- Europe
- Lower East Side