Gradual decline of the mural of Valiasr Square

Mural of Vali-e-Asr Square for Eid-e-Fitr 1401, designed by Mohammad Reza Dost Mohammadi

Fars News Agency – Art Group, Mohammad Kalhor: A work that does not enter the field of art has not fulfilled its mission, which is why it is said that art that is not seen remains barren. Perhaps it was with this idea that the mural of Valiasr Square (AS), as the largest arena for displaying the capital’s artwork, was created in February 2012.

This mural swam against the current of the country’s art movement and galleries, and instead of waiting for the audience and the visitor, it went to the audience itself. In the second step, instead of conveying his inner experiences and menus, he presented topics in front of the audience that are more general and on occasions, provide the possibility of establishing a connection between the audience and the work of art.

The mural, approximately 47 meters long and 18 meters wide, gradually became a fixed part of the city of Tehran, and at times was even able to create a media wave. However, the designs displayed on this mural have always been the subject of controversy. In the early years of its activity, one of the main drawbacks of this mural was the disregard for “women” as a large part of Iranian society, which, of course, was addressed by criticism.

This evolution gradually added to the richness of the mural, showing designs that were associated with national pride, social vitality, or collective grief. However, the process of the ups and downs of the mural soon became apparent. The sine chart of the mural after the early years of its activity represented an important fact; Weakness in ideation, technique and execution. This trilogy was caused by a serious vacuum; A closed circle of designers, all of whom work under the auspices of the House of Designers of the Islamic Revolution.

The House of Designers of the Islamic Revolution, which is a subset of the Ouj Media Arts Organization, has been in charge of the entire process of producing and displaying the work on this mural over the past decade, since the commissioning of the mural. The closed guard of the center’s officials for interviews and transparency about the method of ideation, design process, selection of works and costs – from design to printing and installation – has led to the formation of a monopoly process, and this monopoly has led to its gradual decline.

For example, the latest mural design of Vali-e-Asr Square, which is dedicated to Eid al-Fitr, is a cliché, weak and lacks ideas and creativity. Even the creation of characters has stopped at the level of children’s cartoons. However, the mural was designed by “Mohammad Reza Dost Mohammadi” and he already has a history of designing standard and eye-catching works.

The “Martyrs Commemoration Day” mural, designed by Mohammad Reza Doust Mohammadi in March 2017

The officials of the House of Designers of the Islamic Revolution should be asked why the doors of this house are closed to other designers and the designs are selected based on relationships, and not criteria such as a public call ?!

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