Reza Shafahi, the Diary of a Gambler

Iranian artist Reza Shafahi (b. 1940) began his career at age 70, having spent the previous decades largely disconnected from his family, overcoming a gambling addiction. Art became an outlet when his son, the artist Mamali Shafahi, invited him to participate in a daily drawing exercise. For the first time, a generous selection of Reza's works is collected in a stand-alone volume, celebrating the full scope of his artistic practice. Edited by Jina Khayyer, Reza Shafahi, A Gamer's Diary features a selection of art curated by Mamali and by Tony Cox, owner and founder of Club Rhubarb in New York City, where Reza had his first solo show in 2019.

Apartment magazine first featured Reza's captivating story in issue #29, and Reza Shafahi, A Gamer's Diary is punctuated by a first-person reimagining of Khayyer's original interview. Classic poems by Rumi, Khayyam, Saadi and the more modern Forough Farrokhzad - clear influences on Reza's vibrant and sensual creations - are presented here in Farsi and translated into English. Contributions from Mamali, Cox, Michael Bullock, and Martha Kirszenbaum provide further context to Reza's artistic journey, into a world that, as Kirszenbaum notes, glows with "a touch of radiance and softness."

Publication date: May 18, 2023

Published by Apartment Publishing SL
First edition
Dimensions: 297 x 215mm
Pages: 192
Weight: 900 grams
Binding: soft cover
ISBN: 978-84-09-50073-4