mehdi ghadyanloo paints nostalgic, hyperrealistic toys at almine rech in london

hyperrealistic paintings displayed in almine rech gallery

The Untold Stories exhibition showcases the hyperrealistic work of Iranian artist Mehdi Ghadyanloo at the Almine Rech London gallery, from 1 March 2023. The body of work features a series of paintings that explore minimalist themes with a surrealist aesthetic. Mehdi Ghadyanloo’s unique use of the trompe l’œil technique is employed to create the illusion of space and depth in his paintings. Brightly colored toys in square boxes, creating the illusion of a three-dimensionality while evoking playful and nostalgic feelings.

Mehdi Ghadyanloo, The Untold Stories exhibition, Almine Rech London
image: Mehdi Ghadyanloo, Nostalgia , 2023 | watercolor on paper | 11.5 x 11.5 in / 29.7 x 29.7 cm

all images by Melissa Castro Duarte

Ghadyanloo explores nostalgic feelings through imagery of toys

Born in 1981 in Karaj, Iran, Mehdi Ghadyanloo began his artistic career as a muralist in Tehran in the early 2000s. Ghadyanloo’s massive wall murals can be seen all over the city, featuring dreamlike landscapes and scenes of science-fiction. The painter’s works often show architectural elements, such as ladders, fences, and holes in the ceiling, to serve as symbols of hope and a way out. In The Untold Stories, Ghadyanloo paints a square container with a gap punctured through its top. This creates a spotlight that shines upon children’s toys, inviting viewers to explore the enclosed space and to imagine themselves as children once again.

Mehdi Ghadyanloo, The Untold Stories exhibition, Almine Rech London
image: Mehdi Ghadyanloo, The god of rainbows, 2022 | acrylic and oil on canvas | 71 x 51 in / 180 x 130 cm

minimalist paintings contain powerful symbolism for hope

Initially, Ghadyanloo’s series appears as deceptively simple, an interpretation of light and color reflecting off toys within boxes. However, upon closer inspection, the paintings reveal themselves to be complex and multi-layered with symbolism, like the holes in the ceiling that represent an escape from enclosure. The result is imagery that is both visually and emotionally captivating, reminding the viewer of the joys of childhood and the power of hope.

Mehdi Ghadyanloo, The Untold Stories exhibition, Almine Rech London
image: Mehdi Ghadyanloo, The Smiling Trojan, 2022 | acrylic and oil on canvas | 61 x 51 in / 155 x 130 cm

Mehdi Ghadyanloo, The Untold Stories exhibition, Almine Rech London
image: Mehdi Ghadyanloo, The sunbathing monster, 2022 | acrylic and oil on canvas |82.5 x 47 in / 210 x 120 cm

Mehdi Ghadyanloo, The Untold Stories exhibition, Almine Rech London
image: Mehdi Ghadyanloo, The king’s twin brother, 2023 | acrylic and oil on canvas | 92.5 x 47 in / 235 x 120 cm

Mehdi Ghadyanloo, The Untold Stories exhibition, Almine Rech London
image: Mehdi Ghadyanloo, The forgotten flower, 2023 | acrylic and oil on canvas |92.5 x 47 in / 235 x 120 cm

Mehdi Ghadyanloo, The Untold Stories exhibition, Almine Rech London
image: Mehdi Ghadyanloo, The untold story, 2022 | acrylic and oil on canvas | 78.5 x 114 in /200 x 290 cm

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project info:

name: The Untold Stories

artist: Mehdi Ghadyanloo

location: Almine Rech Gallery, London

dates: March 01 – April 06, 2023

photography: Melissa Castro Duarte