Two Iranian Modern Art Manifestos from 1951 and 1976 Analyzed as Milestones

An article published on June 5, 2014, examines two significant pre-revolution Iranian art manifestos: "The Nightingale's Butcher Manifesto" from 1951 and "Volume & Environment 2" from 1976. Written by Bavand Behpoor, the text positions these documents as rare examples of Iranian art manifestos that mark critical transitions in the country's engagement with modernism. The analysis compares how each manifesto responded to similar socio-political issues despite being separated by 25 years. It argues that the 1951 manifesto represents an entry point into modernism for Iranian art, while the 1976 text signals an exit from that movement. The content is available through MIT Press with full access. The article provides context about the historical circumstances surrounding the creation of both manifestos.