Shirt #1

1958
Not on view
Since the 1960s, Siah Armajani has produced well over 100 public works—bridges, buildings, and monuments—between his native Iran, the U.S., and Europe. "Shirt #1" contains talismanic texts, folk poetry, and verses by the Persian poet Hafez which Armajani handwrote onto the lining of one of his father's suit jackets. Produced shortly before he moved to the U.S., the talismanic piece was inspired by his trips through southern Tehran, where he witnessed the work of scribes and "spell-makers." The freedom of this calligraphic scrawl is characteristic of his early works.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Shirt #1
  • Artist: Siah Armajani (Iranian, Tehran 1939–2020 Minneapolis, Minnesota)
  • Date: 1958
  • Geography: Made in Iran
  • Medium: Cloth, pencil, ink, wood
  • Dimensions: Overall: H. 31 3/4 in. (80.6 cm)
    W. 29 7/8 in. (75.9 cm)
    Mount: H. 40 3/4 in. (103.5 cm)
    W. 36 1/2 in. (92.7 cm)
    D. 4 3/4 in. (12.1 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles-Painted and/or Printed
  • Credit Line: Purchase, 2011 NoRuz at The Met Benefit, 2012
  • Object Number: 2012.109
  • Rights and Reproduction: © Estate of Siah Armajani / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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