Life is beautiful

The optimistic quote “Life is Beautiful” is written in huge, elegant, coloured letters on a white wall. Inspired by pop-art, this work, which seems jovial at first glance, was made using 1,242 knives sunk into the wall, creating a striking contrast between message and technique.

Using a medium that is fundamentally violent to underline the beauty of life, Moshiri makes an ironic reference to the contradictions at work in Iranian culture. His native country is effectively divided between aspirations for a happy life, drawing on Western consumerism, and a respect for archaic traditions that reject cultural invasion. The artist also deliberately takes inspiration from Dada processes: creating works of art using found objects - an artistic concept that is generally frowned upon in Iran.

Life is Beautiful was first presented by the Pinault Collection at the "Le Monde vous appartient" (“The World Belongs to You”) exhibition at the Palazzo Grassi in Venice in 2011-2013.