2023-08-10 -- Picasso

As a child, I disliked Iranian folk music and classical music, with the exception of Mozart and Vivaldi. I found Beethoven and Tchaikovsky too intense. I only appreciated the melancholic tunes of Goghoosh(1) and, later in life, Simin Ghanam(2).

After the revolution, listening to any music except for nationalistic and religious songs supporting the regime was illegal. All musicians were men, and women's voices were completely banned. Listening to forbidden music could result in severe punishment, including public lashing and imprisonment.

During my high school years, I discovered a secret source for prohibited cassette tapes: an unassuming newspaper stand on my way to school. This shop was the only place in the city that sold foreign magazines, albeit heavily censored. I eagerly awaited the arrival of aviation magazines like Interavia(3) and Aviation Week & Space Technology(4), which had to be cleared by the censorship department. The magazines were often missing pages or had sensitive content redacted, You guessed it, advertisements featuring women.

Occasionally, I was able to obtain a copy of National Geographic(5). However, these magazines were rare, as the censorship process would have been time-consuming and difficult. Articles related to culture, in particular, were often completely redacted.

Given my interests in intellectual and scientific pursuits, as evidenced by my subscriptions to magazines like "Daneshmand" (Scientist) and "Danestaniha" (Knowledge), the shopkeeper knew I wasn't a revolutionary. One day, after purchasing my usual magazines, he offered me a music cassette tape. I didn't have the extra money, so I offered to leave the magazines as collateral and pick up the tape later. To my surprise, he gave me the tape, wrapped in multiple layers of newspaper, and told me to pay him back at my convenience. He didn't reveal the contents of the tape, and I didn't ask.

As soon as I got home, I immediately plugged my headphones into the audio system we'd purchased just before the revolution. I carefully inserted the copied cassette tape, a Sony Ferro Chrome, into the player. The only label on the tape was "Donna Summer(6)," written in English. At that time, I didn't know that some artists released albums titled their own names(7). This was my first introduction to Donna Summer.

And with that, I entered the world of underground culture, where accessing forbidden music was a risky but exciting endeavor. In fact, obtaining illegal substances in Iran was far easier than acquiring music.

Donna Summer's music transformed my musical tastes. I was captivated by her voice and style. My next musical discovery was equally groundbreaking: Metallica's(8) "Kill 'Em All(9)."

At the time, I didn't realize the extent of the shopkeeper's connections to the underground music scene. It's incredible to think about how quickly he could obtain new releases like Metallica's "Kill 'Em All."

Over the next year, I saved money by skipping lunches to buy more music tapes. Unfortunately, the government eventually banned the foreign magazines I enjoyed. So, I redirected all my funds towards illegal music. I asked the shopkeeper to record the music on cheaper tapes to maximize my purchases.

I discovered a passion for heavy metal and rock music, despite the limited selection available. This newfound interest sparked my appreciation for artistic expression. Like architecture, while I recognized certain styles, I didn't fully understand the underlying aesthetic principles.

Almost 15 years later, I found myself listening to the likes of Luciano Pavarotti(10) and Andrea Bocelli(11). This time, living in a free country, I had the luxury of choosing music based on my own preferences, without the constraints of censorship and illegal acquisition.

It's not surprising that people have varying tastes in art. What one person finds beautiful, another may find boring. For example, I didn't appreciate Beethoven's music when I was 16. However, as people are exposed to different art forms, their tastes often evolve and broaden.

It might seem surprising, but I used to believe that Picasso(12) was a talentless artist. I even thought I could paint better!

However, a visit to the Picasso Museum in Barcelona changed my perspective. I realized that Picasso, like any other artist, started with basic skills and gradually developed his unique style.

Over time, he developed his signature style.

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." Picasso's work is a prime example of this. He could evoke powerful emotions with just a few brushstrokes. Whether you appreciate his art or not often depends on your personal taste and perspective.