Mural painting, or graffiti as it is commonly known, is a form of artistic expression found extensively on walls and various surfaces throughout cities. This art, which represents a visual communication between the artist and its audience over time, serves various purposes. Graffiti can be a conscientious form of art or simply a means to capture the attention of a specific group.
Since these artistic works mostly emerge illegally and without permission, they are considered destructive activities by some. However, it should not be forgotten that the history of this art dates back to ancient times in forms such as painting, carving, and so on.
Tehran – 2014
Mad, born in 1987, is a street artist and moralist from Tabriz, currently residing in Istanbul, Turkey. Since 2008, Mad has been initiating wall paintings, using single-use stencils, typically executed only once, across walls and galleries in various countries including Iran, America, the Netherlands, England, Norway, Turkey, Indonesia, and more. Enamored by the power of storytelling and myths, he endeavors to craft enigmatic and ambiguous imagery and narratives, inviting the audience to contemplate and feel, accompanied by diverse interpretations.
Istanbul – 2015
The society we live in, where we encounter all the issues of daily life, and the mechanization of daily life alongside fantastical narratives, profoundly influence the works of Mad and strive to create timeless, apocalyptic, mysterious, and sometimes humorous images by juxtaposing elements drawn from technology and nature as well as using symbols. Mad sees artistic creation as an opportunity to explore and re-express various subjects in its own way, ranging from science to history and from religion to mythology. In Mad’s works, the contrast between past and future life and the establishment of connections and bridges between them are abundantly found through the abundant use of surreal elements, indicating a creative and imaginative mind that has been evident throughout its artistic career.
The process of creating his artworks often begins with drawing inspiration from various sources such as a mythological story, a scene from a movie or animation, as well as observations of daily life and social events.
Oracle – 2019
The last angel – 2014
Mad describes his creative process as follows: “I usually start by jotting down the initial idea in my notebook and allow it to evolve and expand over time as I add more details and refine the concept. Once I’m confident about the design, I visualize the idea using digital visualization software. After finalizing the digital design, I proceed to print it and begin the meticulous process of layer cutting, a stage that requires precision and attention to detail. Selecting suitable colors and sprays is another crucial aspect of the process, as it determines the tone and atmosphere of the artwork. However, one of the most challenging parts is finding the right location or surface for painting. Once I identify the suitable location, I begin painting.”
Hidden Reality – 2020 (Photo: Erdem Sahin)
Pretence – 2014
So far, Mad has participated in numerous exhibitions inside and outside of Iran, the most notable being his solo exhibition at Seyhoun Gallery, the group exhibition “Final Encore II” in Dastan’s Basement gallery, and also the group exhibition Microtopia held in an abandoned building in Istanbul in 2020. Currently, he is planning his second solo exhibition after 10 years in Tehran. This exhibition, by showcasing Mad’s return to Tehran after 7 years of living in Istanbul and his reconnection with the vibrant art scene of Tehran, holds special significance.
Rise against the system – 2015