PROFILE

reza derakshani
poetic symphonies

Some artists content themselves with working within a small niche of activity, whether in terms of medium, subject or even geography. They are often good at what they do, and stay with what they know and enjoy. But for many, the real challenge lies in extending their boundaries, embracing new experiences and tackling completely different areas of activity. Few artists, however, prove to be quite as ambitious in this respect as Reza Derakshani or, indeed, as remarkably successful.

Born in a small village in Northeastern Iran, Derakshani was immersed in many aspects of traditional Persian culture. His family particularly enjoyed music, and his talent for singing was quickly recognised and actively encouraged. “I used to sing from a very early age. I was very proud of my singing. I was lucky in that I was exposed to really good traditional music through my family and particularly from my elder brother and so had a great foundation.” Derakshani’s family were seasonal nomads, moving up into the mountains during the summer months with their sheep, goats and horses to take advantage of the grazing pasture. “We would stay up there for four months, and I remember as a kid just wandering in the mountains for whole days at a time. It was so beautiful and inspiring, a really important experience for me and one that has reappeared in my work, years later.”

However, these were changing times in Iran and, like many nomadic peoples at that time, Derakshani’s family found it increasingly difficult to follow their traditional way of life. When Derakshani was eight years old, they moved to Tehran, the country’s rapidly expanding capital. This seemed an unpromising change of environment for a boy who enjoyed the rural life so much and had developed a great love for nature, and especially of trees. Yet he immediately took to the big city. “I loved Tehran. I’m very open to new things, and get used to new situations quite quickly...