NOUSHIN VEDAEI, ISFAHAN, IRAN

The struggle between the forces of good and evil is one of the fundamental themes of ancient tales.

1001 NIGHTS RETOLD reflects this age-old struggle and is a continuation of my artistic exploration of myths, rituals, and ancient tales through sculpture and installation.

Like the ancient Persian and Indian tales on which it is largely based, 1001 Nights (or Arabian Nights, as they became known in modern times) is a collection of stories in which embedded didactic tales provide moral lessons—guides for human life. Animal characters assume human qualities and become preachers and guides. Magic comes to the aid of the protagonists.

Ancient Iranian texts like the Shahnameh—the epic poem written in 1000 CE that tells the story of pre-Islamic Iran through historical and mythical figures like the hero Rostam and his adversary the White Demon—reflect a similar narrative style.

My deep interest in classical Eastern literature inspired this collection, which also includes a couple of stories sourced outside the 1001 Nights genre.

To prepare for this project, I read various 1001 Nights texts, listened to audio versions, and researched earlier visual representations. Ultimately, the stories and overall atmosphere of this classic literary work inspired my retelling of selected tales through the lens of my artistic practice that reflects my university education in both painting and sculpture.