Iran is home to mountain ranges, searing deserts and salt pans, as well as lush forests and varied coastlines - all of which have shaped the country’s social, economic and political history - and it is from this landscape that the artistic cultures covered by Epic Iran emerged over the past 5,000 years.īeginning at the dawn of history in 3200 BC, marked by the earliest known writing, Emerging Iran will show that even before the rise of the Persian Empire, Iran’s rich civilisation rivalled those of Egypt and Mesopotamia.
The first section introduces the Land of Iran with striking imagery of the country’s dramatic and varied landscapes. From the Cyrus Cylinder and intricate illuminated manuscripts of the Shahnameh, to ten-metre-long paintings of Isfahan tilework, Shirin Neshat’s powerful two-screen video installation Turbulent, and Shirin Aliabadi’s striking photograph of a young woman blowing bubblegum, the exhibition will offer a fresh perspective on a country that is so often seen through a different lens in the news. Ranging from sculpture, ceramics and carpets, to textiles, photography and film, works will reflect the country’s vibrant historic culture, architectural splendours, the abundance of myth, poetry and tradition that have been central to Iranian identity for millennia, and the evolving, self-renewing culture evident today. Epic Iran will explore this civilisation and the country’s journey into the 21st century, from the earliest known writing – signalling the beginning of history in Iran – through to the 1979 Revolution and beyond. Iran was home to one of the great historic civilisations, yet its monumental artistic achievements remain unknown to many. Epic Iran is organised by the V&A with the Iran Heritage Foundation in association with The Sarikhani Collection. It will be the UK’s first major exhibition in 90 years to present an overarching narrative of Iran from 3000 BC to the present day. Opening in May 2021, Epic Iran will explore 5,000 years of Iranian art, design and culture, bringing together more than 300 objects from ancient, Islamic and contemporary Iran.