In a region that is commonly framed within a certain socio-political context, there are female Iranian abstractionists such as Monir Farmanfamaian and Behjat Sadr who were able to cross the necessary boundaries to have their work noticed in both the East and the West.

Author Fereshteh Daftari’s newest book Persia Reframed presents Iranian art to a Western audience with a fresh, panoramic perspective that will hopefully lead to greater discussion and understanding of artistic movements and styles from the region.

The 2019 Whitney Biennial which showcases contemporary American art, typically by young and lesser known artists, began in 1932 and continues to be regarded as one of the leading art shows to discover new talent. This year it includes works from several artists of Asian descent highlighting the range of diversity within the contemporary art world.