September 1997
The Iranian

When I saw "Childhood Meeting" on Shahab La'al's living room wall, I was excited -- and relieved. Excited because it reminded me of David Hockney's swimming pool paintings. And relieved because I had not seen his work before and I had already told him I was interested in putting them online.

There was little time to discuss much, as he was about to leave for a visit to Iran for the first time in 20 years. His home and art said it all, though.

His home in Berkeley rests on a slope with a breathtaking view of Golden Gate Bridge. But it does not need to. The interior with its stretched arches, thick, dark wooden floors, white walls and sparse furniture (including a decades-old large TV) was quite a refreshing view.

A few years ago, he had lost his home and all his art work in a fire that destroyed much of Oakland Hills, half an hour south. He seems to have recovered well.

Here are samples of his recent work. Click on images or titles to see full image.

Related links

* THE IRANIAN Arts section
* THE IRANIAN WebGuide Arts page