Jazeh Tabatabai Born on January 17, 1931(died in 2008) left an indelible mark as an Iranian avant-garde painter, poet, and sculptor. Renowned for his inventive figures and metal sculptures crafted from old machinery and cars, he received over 10 major international awards for his contributions to the world of art. Tabatabai's artistic journey began at a young age when he wrote his first story, "Sand and Straw," at the age of 12. His creative pursuits expanded to include directing plays such as "Withering Blossoms," "Lord Chichi Yanf," "Footstep," and "Mister Muchul," as well as producing his own play, "Scout Association." In 1947, he published "The Little Boy," a story showcasing his early literary talent.
In 1951, Tabatabai earned a diploma from the School of Arts and held his first art exhibition, featuring miniatures. His dedication to the arts continued as he excelled in the Film Direction and Principles of Theatre program at the Iranian College of Literature, achieving the position of top student. In 1961, he completed painting courses at the College of Fine Arts and went on to establish the Modern Iran Art Gallery, the first of its kind in Iran.
Tabatabai's artistic style, closely associated with the Saghakhaneh School, often featured recurring themes of strong women and suns. His avant-garde approach and innovative use of materials, such as assembling sculptures from old machinery and cars, positioned him as a pioneer of the Saghakhaneh School, which emerged in the 80s.
His works garnered international recognition and can be found in major collections and museums worldwide, including the Louvre and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Exhibitions of Tabatabai's sculptures, such as the one held at the Artists' House, Khaneh-ye Honarmandan in Tehran, further showcased his artistic legacy.
Filmmaker Khosrow Sinai directed two films about Tabatabai's life and work: "Biography" in 1967 and "Autumn Road" in 1997. In his later years, Tabatabai split his time between Spain and Iran, maintaining a connection to his homeland. He passed away on February 9, 2008, at Tehran's Atieh Hospital, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy that continues to influence the Iranian art scene.
