Tension (Mirror Sculptural Object)
Sculpture/Mixed Media • Attributed to Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian or an artist working in contemporary Geometric Abstraction
Style & Movement
Contemporary Islamic Art merged with Geometric Abstraction and minimalism
Medium & Technique
Mirror glass, polished metal frame, and likely acrylic or glass layering with adhesive and internal etching/layering techniques.
Creation Period
2010s-2020s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 40 x 40 cm; Square format mounted on a clear acrylic pedestal.
Subject Description
The work features a complex arrangement of interlocking, cut-mirror segments that create a kaleidoscopic effect. It plays with light reflection, spatial perception, and the fragmentation of the viewer's image within a geometric framework.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; The surfaced polished finish and mirror edges appear intact without visible oxidation or chipping.
Estimated Market Value
$40,000 - $80,000
Auction Estimate
$35,000 - $60,000
Provenance History
Displayed in a contemporary art gallery or museum setting (likely part of a larger exhibition or private collection based on the high-quality gallery environment).
Art Historical Significance
Represents the fusion of traditional Iranian mirror mosaic (Ayene-Kari) with Western 20th-century abstraction. It challenges the traditional concept of a flat mirror, turning the reflection into a fractured, sculptural volume.
Notable Features
High-transparency acrylic base provides a floating effect; the internal 'shattered' geometry creates a visual depth that shifts as the viewer moves.
Condition Issues
Potential micro-scratches on polished surfaces and fingerprint oil residue; the clear pedestal shows minor light refraction from floor contact.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a climate-controlled environment (50% RH). Handle exclusively with cotton gloves to prevent acid etching from skin oils. Use non-abrasive microfiber for cleaning.