Before I could learn to walk my dad introduced me to the wits of two amazing artists. Charlie Chaplin and Ardeshir Mohassess [sample works]. What my dad and I loved about these artists was that, they both criticized social and political injustice using razor-sharp humor … in black and white! Charlie and Ardeshir were one of us and they always stood with the people against oppression.
In the last year or so I was lucky enough to meet my lifelong idol Mr. Mohassess at his tiny apartment in New York. He was as lovable, gentle, kind and humble as I had always imagined him to be.
With the help of his friends I visited Mr. Mohassess several times till the day he was taken out for a private tour of his own work at the Asia Society museum.
Again I was lucky to be near him and trusted enough to take a few photos of Mr. Mohassess during the private tour.
Mr. Mohassess did not like to be filmed or photographed at anytime in his life. These recent images are a few of my favorites taken on 6/30/08, the last day I saw Mr. Mohassess.
Tonight I got a call from a friend that Mr. Mohassess passed away around 7:30PM :o(
He will always be loved by me and many people who admire his great contribution to our society.
Ardeshir Mohassess
9/9/1938 — 10/9/2008
