Sahand Hesamiyan: Primary Structures

This fully illustrated monograph provides the first in-depth look at the practice of Sahand Hesamiyan, one of the most prominent sculptors living and working in Iran today.

The versatile oeuvre of Tehran-based artist Sahand Hesamiyan (b. 1977) explores the ties between geometry, mythology and philosophy in Islamic and Persian architecture, extracting traditional elements from the ancient sciences and adapting them for the present and future. The process, informed by complex construction and design techniques, manifests in larger-than-life metal sculptures and small elaborate works of paper, taking inspiration from years of craftsmanship and historical concepts. In all his works, Hesamiyan boldly strips away layers of recognisable ornamentation to reveal a minimal core at the heart of all forms.

This monograph surveys two decades of studio and archival material, sculpture, drawing and ambitious installation plans, supported by an introduction and two essays, not only providing a rich overview of Hesamiyan’s practice, but also a better understanding of contemporary art from Iran.