Ali Akbar Sadeghi's expressive artworks combine elements from the rich traditions of Persian art with surreal twists. Characterized by dizzying spatial manipulations and unexpected combinations of the real with the fantastical, his works are a mesmerizing dreamscape of color and form. Reminiscent of the classic Persian epic illustrations, the depiction in ‘Dream III’ calls to mind a management of human bodies that parallels that of non-human entities, turning untamed abundance into areas of controlled production. The work reminds us of the interconnected domestication and industrialization of people and animals as part of mankind’s pursuit of control over land and the natural surroundings. In light of this, we are encouraged to overcome these separations and inspired to reestablish a balanced relationship with the environment we inhabit.

Ali Akbar Sadeghi is a prominent figure in Iranian modern and contemporary art. His art practice began in 1952 when he received his first painting commission, and he went on to study at the College of Fine Arts at the University of Tehran in 1969. Sadeghi's prolific career includes works in a variety of disciplines including animation, illustration, sculpture, interior design, industrial design, and graphic design. He is among the few artists who remained faithful to the tradition of Persian Coffee-House paintings. Sadeghi has participated in over fifty solo and group exhibitions in Iran and internationally including La Chaux-de-Fonds (Switzerland), and a major retrospective at the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art in 2018. His work can be seen in a number of permanent collections at renowned museums such as the British Museum, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art. He has been a jury member at numerous international biennials and has won multiple prestigious international awards. Ali-Akbar Sadeghi's work has been extensively published, and the subject of many books and publications.