It is with profound sadness that we share news of the sudden passing of our friend and respected artist, Hossein Valamanesh. Hossein passed away this weekend after suffering a massive heart attack. We extend sincere condolences to Hossein’s wife Angela, and their son Nassiem.
Born on 2 March 1949 in Tehran, Hossein emigrated to Australia in 1973. He graduated from the South Australian School of Art in 1977 and over the past 49 years has established himself as one of Australia’s leading contemporary artists, with a stellar career that took him all over the world. Inspired by the writings of the Persian poet Rumi and his passion for a pared-back, haiku-like approach to material and form, Hossein is remembered for his artworks that are both powerful and poetic.
Hossein presented many important and memorable exhibitions in Australia and internationally, as well as in the public domain, video works and set design. He often made artwork in collaboration with Angela and Nassiem. A major solo exhibition Puisque tout passe (This will also pass) is currently showing at the Institut des Cultures d’Islam (ICI) in Paris; the publication for the exhibition is scheduled to be launched in Australia in early February.
Eshgh is Farsi for ‘love’ – Hossein instilled this pure concept into all his art, and indeed, into every aspect of his life. His memory lives on in his art and in our thoughts.
"Most works of art have within them the seed of an idea and the opportunity of exhibiting them may make it possible for these seeds to grow in the viewer's mind with different interpretations. My original idea is only the beginning and I also follow the development of the work with interest. It is by our looking at the works that they realise their potential.”
(excerpt from Artist statement, 2005)