The present painting that is a noted example of Mansoor Ghandriz work openly reveals his aesthetic standpoint and formal achievements in visual arts; the same shared achievements we see in the work of artists of the Saqqakhaneh School of the 1960s. We can see the formalistic approach of the work at first glance, but it is inundated with symbols in deeper layers; traditional, geometric symbols that bestow a mystified, ritualistic touch upon the entire work. A combination of circles, intersecting lines and triangles is arranged in a way that an interpretation of the work is possible through discovery of visual metaphors. A diversity of cool, antique-looking colors in the work help create a suitable appearance. As we see in the picture, Ghandriz was determined to invent a certain Iranian Modernism with its roots in traditional and indigenous elements; but at the same time he followed the structure of western modern art. To achieve an original expression, Ghandriz moved from pure abstraction toward meaningful visual symbols, raising the status of line in contrast with color. He was one of the founders of Saqqakhaneh School and the work in view exemplifies a major work of the movement.
Ghandriz went through a process of academic experimentation as well as imitation of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism during a very short period. Although he paid attention to figurative works at the beginning, he gradually started drawing contour lines, as in the present work, to separate the forms from the background. It seems that a transition from the past experience to reach such an expression is a result of Ghandriz living in Tabriz, where he was inspired both by Persian painting and works of Matisse. Flat, bright, colored planes as well as soft lines are distinct features of his work. A mythological approach and old mysterious subjects gradually found their way into his work. As Ghandriz joined the group of Saqqakhaneh painters, a group of early patterns appeared in his work, but his painting rarely became pure abstraction. He always emphasized a spiritual quality, based on aesthetic values of traditional Iranian illustration, in his painting, thus avoiding pure formalism.
Two major happenings, contribution of Ghandriz to development of one of the most significant movements of modern Iranian art during the 1960s and his tragic, early death, turned him into a mythological, immortal figure in the history of Iranian art. Ghandriz stands for a successful effort that came to fruition in a short period and gained immortality. His talent is visible in his eyes, just as is manifested in his work.
