Tannaz Lahiji's 'Pardis' Brings Dante and Persian Culture to Florence

Iranian painter and performer Tannaz Lahiji presents 'Pardis. Riflessioni su Dante,' a multi-venue exhibition across Florence opening March 20, 2019, ahead of the 2021 celebrations for the 700th anniversary of Dante Alighieri's death. The project unites two invitations: one from the Tuscany Region for a show on Dante's Inferno at Palazzo Bastogi, and another from Florence's mayor for a show on Paradise at Palazzo Vecchio. Lahiji decided to merge them into a single project. At Palazzo Vecchio's Sala d'Arme, she will cover 300 square meters with painted wooden tiles glazed to resemble porcelain, and install a central basin with a fountain typical of ancient Persian homes. A mask of Dante with colored lights (blue, red, white) will interpret his thoughts on life and love. On March 25, at Palazzo Bastogi, she will present Inferno-themed body painting works on canvas. On March 27, at Casa di Dante, a frozen bust of Dante will melt at sunset and be replaced daily, symbolizing rebirth. On March 28, at Mercato Centrale, a 5-meter installation depicting Ulysses' whirlpool will critique Florence's greed. Lahiji will also participate in the 2019 Venice Biennale with a site-specific installation at the Arsenale, hosted by Milan's MA-EC gallery, featuring a frozen waterfall reminiscent of ancient Persian mosques.