Fereydoun Ave (pronounced "Ahv") is a multifaceted artist, designer, and gallerist whose career defies easy categorization. Born in 1945 in Tehran to a well-to-do Zoroastrian family, Ave's upbringing instilled a deep appreciation for art, education, and philanthropy. After studying applied art and theater design in the UK and the US, he returned to Tehran in 1970, a time of optimism and opportunity in the Iranian art scene.
Ave's artistic journey encompasses various media, including painting, collage, assemblage, stage sets, costumes, and furniture design. His early experiences included curatorial roles at the Iran-America Society and Kargah-e Namayesh (Theater Workshop), where he documented Friday brunches in Polaroids and began collecting works from his peers.
In the '70s, Ave joined Zand Gallery as its first art director, simultaneously making significant contributions to Tehran's creative landscape. His commitment to supporting fellow artists led to the establishment of experimental art space "13 Vanak" a vital venue for avant-garde art that operated for about two decades.
Despite challenges posed by the revolution, Ave's return to Iran after a stint in France marked his dedication to nurturing the local art scene. He ventured into commercial gallery ownership, founding Ave XVB in Dubai, and later resumed freelance curating and informal mentoring.
Ave's artistic practice is characterized by its rich cultural roots, blending Abstract Expressionism with Persian calligraphy and Zoroastrian influences. His iconic series "101 Names" and later photocollages, such as "In Search of Heroes," reflect a nuanced exploration of national identity, geopolitical events, and the macho mystique of Iranian men.
