Projectiles, Lawrie Shabibi, Dubai, 2011
In his Projectiles series, Pouyan demonstrates a wry sense of humour through references to high Persian culture in these three dimensional works. Working closely with traditional armourers and metal-smiths, he shaped intricately decorated costume armour and military helmets into the shape of modern projectiles. The components of each “Projectile” closely resemble those worn by actors in the “Taziyeh” (passion play), which is performed during the month of Muharram and commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein to this day. This type of armour has origins in medieval Iran, with calligraphic and floral decoration meticulously inlaid in gold and silver, or etched into the flat surfaces of the metal. Though obvious symbols of dominance and power, at the same time they are light and refined.