Mehrdad Aref-Adib

Wherever there is a leaf, my passion blossoms On Sohrab Sepehri, the generosity of trees and the forgotten language of tenderness

There are those who write and paint about nature, and there are those who fall so quietly into it that the boundary begins to dissolve. I have always felt that Sohrab Sepehri belonged to the latter. open.substack.com/pub/arefadib...

The First Selfie of Iran Malek Qasem Mirza: The Qajar Prince Behind Iran’s First “Selfie”

Discover how a 19th-century prince turned the camera on himself and changed how Iran saw its own reflection.
open.substack.com/pub/arefadib...

Say no to carpet bombs and bunker busters. Let's lay down carpets of peace instead!

When I think of #Tehran, I remember my grandma. She was amazing at making intricate lace. This image is dedicated to her. It simply says #Iran, but to me, it says so much more. I hope all the grandmas are safe tonight. Their love is the thread that holds so many of us together.

When I think of #Tehran, I remember the people, their voices, and playing chess with my brothers. I’ve been away over 40 years, but the memories remain. I think of The Rook by Ali Akbar Sadeghi, where two kings play chess, and people are trapped between the moves, holding on to memory and hope.

This is the moment before I dive into cherries, carefully setting the pits aside like trophies from battles I’ve won. I call it Jang-e Haste’i, which means “The Nuclear War.” In Persian, haste’i means both “nuclear” and “of the pit.”

Today’s #illustration is of my new cane and fedora. Two fractured vertebrae since late February. Pain, patience, and very slow progress. Now, a cane that carries more than just weight. It carries a story.

A flatbread vase holding a sabzi khordan bouquet. #sabzikhordan

"Reading brings us unknown friends." ~ Balzac

My Persian version, after Helen Oxenbury.

"Reading brings us unknown friends. "
~ Balzac

At Cannes, Panahi spoke from the heart to all Iranians with different views. "The most important thing is our country and its freedom . Let’s reach that moment, together, when no one dares to tell us what to wear, or what we should or shouldn’t do."

After 40-plus years in London, I finally put Tehran in a terrarium! Or should I say… a Tehrarium? A tiny jar full of big memories. #Tehrarium

This morning: all curled up.
Two hours later: Persian buttercup said, “I’m ready for my close-up!” #persianbuttercup

Forugh Farrokhzad - Thursday, June 16, 1966: Yesterday, I walked through the National Gallery instagram.com/p/DJ4pFPMNq8x/…

Sunday Night, 17 July 1966 - London 
Azizam, azizam, azizam
My darling, my darling, my darling,
I would give myself for you.
I love you, I love you,
Not for a moment do you leave my eyes.
My breath falters with your memory,
And my blood surges wildly in my heart ...
Forugh Farrokhzad
#azizam

Two kinds of bouquets: one for the eyes, one for the hands.
#StillLife

From a heart-shaped potato to a heart-stealing #tahdig - crispy, golden, and made with love.

This little heart-shaped potato totally made my day! What unexpected joys have popped up in your day? Tell me your little joys in the comments.

Pretty surreal seeing myself as an action figure!

Visited the Hamburger Kunsthalle and spotted this painting by Johann Heinrich Füssli, a Swiss artist who spent most of his life in Britain. He painted Ed Sheeran about to sing Azizam centuries before it was even released.

Persian Paradise Garden in Waterlow Park, Highgate

If you come to visit me. Tread gently and softly; Lest you break the fragile shell of my loneliness. Sohrab Sepehri

Pop up 'paradise' mural celebrates Persian New Year A pop up mural at Highgate arts centre Lauderdale House is part of a cultural festival celebrating Nowruz, the Iranian New Year

www.hamhigh.co.uk/news/2503561...

Spotted a sparrowhawk just before Tahvil-e-Saal—a powerful sign of change, wisdom, and protection. A new beginning is near! Happy #Nowruz!

I created #Haftsin in Cézanne’s style as a digital artwork—now, it’s leapt off the screen and into real life! #Nowruz

Happy #ChaharshanbehSuri! Iranians will be jumping over fires tonight, chanting "O fire! Let my paleness be yours, your ruddiness mine!" It's a symbolic way to release negativity and gain strength from the flames. #Nowruz

I hope to see you at the #Nowruz Bazaar at Lauderdale House.
We're celebrating our 2nd year—and it’s now becoming an annual event!
www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk/whats-on/now...

Today's #haiku:
Green wings in first light,
Early morning’s quiet hush,
Parakeets await.

When your Sabzeh is so full of love, it turns into a heart! Join us at the #Nowruz Exhibition, 12th March, 19:30-21:30. It’s going to be a lovely evening! www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk/whats-on/bet...

Nowruz is on its way! My new #Haftsin—hopefully one Cézanne would approve of—with all seven elements perfectly placed like a still life bursting with spring vibes and fresh beginnings. See you at Lauderdale House for the celebration in March!
www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk/whats-on/now...