Iran’s Steadman: Touka Lampoons our Wicked World

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE IRAN'S STEADMAN: TOUKA LAMPOONS OUR WICKED WORLD September 23- October 5, 2010 Opening reception: Thursday September 23, 2010, 6:00-9:00 pm By casting himself as the Every-man of his socio-political satire, Touka's at once scathing yet compassionate drawings can focus on the social climate of his native Iran without implicating other individuals. Historians who appreciate Da Vinci's Grotesques, Goya, the WWI lithographs of Otto Dix, Central European graphic art or Steadman's work during the Nixon years will find a new member of that pantheon. Canadians dissatisfied with sound bites of Middle Eastern current events have an opportunity to appreciate an authentic and complex view from other than the monitors of officialdom. And for those in love with the sensuousness of ink on paper, aquarelles and accomplished life drawing, the aesthetic experience, without the interference of their digital representation, will be well worth the pilgrimage. Toronto has the opportunity here to create a community in which the material success of talent is assured. The opening is certain to be remembered as a cultural event that re-launches an important career. By Valérie C. Kaelin, MFA, Ryerson University School of Image Arts If you’d like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Touka Neyestani, please call Mahrokh Ahankhah at (416) 361 6045 382 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON, M5A 1T1, Canada. [email protected] www.queengallery.ca