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Nadalian: River Art An interview by John K. GRANDE Nadalian is an Iranian sculptor whose life's work involves engendering respect for living creatures and the natural environment. To achieve this, besides living with nature himself, he established sculpture grounds in a peaceful environment in natural surroundings. Water is a living element that contributes to his sculptures, and many of the symbols he engraves and sculpts are derived from ancient mythology and the rituals of pre-Islamic civilizations. more
By carving simple fish shapes and other forms onto small stones and river rocks, artist Ahmad Nadalian seeks to repopulate the spirit of neglected streams and rivers in his native Iran and around the world and share these treasures with future generations. more
Utne Magazine May-June 2006 USA
Ahmad Nadalian
About Ahmad Nadalian
"I was so impressed with your concept, working at low tide in the early mornings to carve signs that during the day would be concealed. It calls into question so much about time, history, language, meaning, and sculpture." More
About Ahmad Nadalian
By : Edward Lucie-Smith
In Iran, Ahmad Nadalian (b.1963) is in the process of creating an immense River Art installation along the banks and amidst the waters of the Haraz River, near Mount Damavend. More
Works by Nadalian in Bangladesh
Works by Nadalian in Uzbekistan
L'Eau Partagee: Work in South of France )
Hidden Treasures: An Art Exhibition for next Millenniums Persian
L'Eau Partagee: Work in South of France )
Artists at Paradise International Center
The International Center for Creation and exhibition of Art in Nature
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The Death of Fish: The River No Longer Has any Fish
He wished to spend time surrounded by nature, living with nature. The hills and valleys near Mount Damavand on the outskirts of Poloor village held many childhood memories. It was not just family memories that bound him to the region; in his eyes, Mount Damavand personified the entire history of Iran’s mythology and culture: the infinite tales of creation, the simorgh, the dragon, Fereydoun and Zahhak… Upon his return to the land of his forefathers, he found that his paradise no longer existed. The wellspring was polluted and the river no longer had fish. He wanted to build his own paradise. He began playing with the water, and the water played with him. He created hundreds of fish on the stones of the river. He was happy that his early memories existed, if only as fossilized remnants. He liked to believe that these fish are alive, and were swimming against the tides.
The darkest moments were when he witnessed the death of the fish. He saw his fish buried time and again. This village does not have a leader. The rivers are sown and the meadows are planted with villas. Factories are constructed on riverbeds and roads are built… But he is not tired. He is determined as ever to build his paradise. He has taken refuge in the deep ravines.
There is no sign of either Zahhak or machine here. There is a temple, where one is at peace to worship water. His most beautiful moments were when he sat watching the turbulent water of the river, and the frolic of his imaginary fish; the most meaningful occurrence was the gradual disappearance of the images. He learned that images disappear, but life remains; forms disappear, but meaning remains.
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