Parviz Tanavoli: Poetry in Bronze

Parviz Tanavoli is Iran's greatest living sculptor.

As a guardian of ancient traditions and innovator of new forms of artistic expression, Tanavoli's contribution to the modern art movement of the Middle East is without equal. He is also the most important internationally recognized modern sculptor to ever call Canada home. "Parviz Tanavoli: Poetry in Bronze" tells the remarkable story of this esteemed artist's fascinating journey of creation that has spanned three continents and more than half a century.

After receiving his formal training as a sculptor in Italy during the 1950's, the artist returned to Iran and began experimenting with his own artistic vernacular. Finding inspiration in both historic Persian and modern Iranian folk art, culture and poetry, Tanavoli brazenly broke with tradition and began creating modern art works with a distinctly Iranian aesthetic. He then went on to become a founding member of the contemporary Iranian art movement known as the Saqqakhaneh School.

Tanavoli works in different mediums- paint on canvas, ink on paper, clay, copper, brass, silver, even fibreglass and neon, but he is best known for his majestic works in bronze. Although sculpture has become his preferred means of poetic expression, Tanavoli has always been an active painter, collector, author and teacher. 

The documentary features exclusive interviews with Tanavoli and leading figures in the international art world. Together they illuminate the emergence and rise of this extraordinary artist who continues creating artistic masterpieces to this day.