iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

David Hockney died today at 88. His swimming pools sent me back to the hoz of my childhood in Tehran. Different countries. Different light. The same fascination with reflection. open.substack.com/pub/arefadib...

open.substack.com

Hockney in Tehran

David Hockney, memory, and the reflections that stay with us.

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 23/12/2025

The internet forgets quickly. Platforms rise, flatten, disappear. But occasionally, it remembers just enough to return something intact. arefadib.substack.com/p/i-did-not-...

arefadib.substack.com

I Did Not Know This Was the Work

Finding an early review, nearly two decades later

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

I love David Byrne’s music. I have loved it since the early 80s, when Talking Heads showed me that pop could think sideways. His recent @nprmusic Tiny Desk Concert reminded me why his work still matters. arefadib.substack.com/p/a-sideways...

arefadib.substack.com

A Sideways Way of Seeing

Returning to David Byrne’s music, forty years after Talking Heads.

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 25/10/2025

There are those who write and paint about nature, and there are those who fall so quietly into it that the boundary begins to dissolve. I have always felt that Sohrab Sepehri belonged to the latter. open.substack.com/pub/arefadib...

open.substack.com

Wherever there is a leaf, my passion blossoms

On Sohrab Sepehri, the generosity of trees and the forgotten language of tenderness

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

Discover how a 19th-century prince turned the camera on himself and changed how Iran saw its own reflection. open.substack.com/pub/arefadib...

open.substack.com

The First Selfie of Iran

Malek Qasem Mirza: The Qajar Prince Behind Iran’s First “Selfie”

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 22/06/2025

Say no to carpet bombs and bunker busters. Let's lay down carpets of peace instead!

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

When I think of #Tehran, I remember my grandma. She was amazing at making intricate lace. This image is dedicated to her. It simply says #Iran, but to me, it says so much more. I hope all the grandmas are safe tonight. Their love is the thread that holds so many of us together.

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

When I think of #Tehran, I remember the people, their voices, and playing chess with my brothers. I’ve been away over 40 years, but the memories remain. I think of The Rook by Ali Akbar Sadeghi, where two kings play chess, and people are trapped between the moves, holding on to memory and hope.

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 08/06/2025

This is the moment before I dive into cherries, carefully setting the pits aside like trophies from battles I’ve won. I call it Jang-e Haste’i, which means “The Nuclear War.” In Persian, haste’i means both “nuclear” and “of the pit.”

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 04/06/2025

Today’s #illustration is of my new cane and fedora. Two fractured vertebrae since late February. Pain, patience, and very slow progress. Now, a cane that carries more than just weight. It carries a story.

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 31/05/2025

A flatbread vase holding a sabzi khordan bouquet. #sabzikhordan

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

"Reading brings us unknown friends." ~ Balzac My Persian version, after Helen Oxenbury.

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 26/05/2025

"Reading brings us unknown friends. " ~ Balzac

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 25/05/2025

At Cannes, Panahi spoke from the heart to all Iranians with different views. "The most important thing is our country and its freedom . Let’s reach that moment, together, when no one dares to tell us what to wear, or what we should or shouldn’t do."

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 24/05/2025

After 40-plus years in London, I finally put Tehran in a terrarium! Or should I say… a Tehrarium? A tiny jar full of big memories. #Tehrarium

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 23/05/2025

This morning: all curled up. Two hours later: Persian buttercup said, “I’m ready for my close-up!” #persianbuttercup

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 20/05/2025

Forugh Farrokhzad - Thursday, June 16, 1966: Yesterday, I walked through the National Gallery instagram.com/p/DJ4pFPMNq8x/…

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 10/05/2025

Sunday Night, 17 July 1966 - London Azizam, azizam, azizam My darling, my darling, my darling, I would give myself for you. I love you, I love you, Not for a moment do you leave my eyes. My breath falters with your memory, And my blood surges wildly in my heart ... Forugh Farrokhzad #azizam

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 10/05/2025

Two kinds of bouquets: one for the eyes, one for the hands. #StillLife

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 27/04/2025

From a heart-shaped potato to a heart-stealing #tahdig - crispy, golden, and made with love.

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 26/04/2025

This little heart-shaped potato totally made my day! What unexpected joys have popped up in your day? Tell me your little joys in the comments.

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 08/04/2025

Pretty surreal seeing myself as an action figure!

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 06/04/2025

Visited the Hamburger Kunsthalle and spotted this painting by Johann Heinrich Füssli, a Swiss artist who spent most of his life in Britain. He painted Ed Sheeran about to sing Azizam centuries before it was even released.

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 04/04/2025

Persian Paradise Garden in Waterlow Park, Highgate

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

If you come to visit me. Tread gently and softly; Lest you break the fragile shell of my loneliness. Sohrab Sepehri

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

Spotted a sparrowhawk just before Tahvil-e-Saal—a powerful sign of change, wisdom, and protection. A new beginning is near! Happy #Nowruz!

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

I created #Haftsin in Cézanne’s style as a digital artwork—now, it’s leapt off the screen and into real life! #Nowruz

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

Happy #ChaharshanbehSuri! Iranians will be jumping over fires tonight, chanting "O fire! Let my paleness be yours, your ruddiness mine!" It's a symbolic way to release negativity and gain strength from the flames. #Nowruz

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

I hope to see you at the #Nowruz Bazaar at Lauderdale House. We're celebrating our 2nd year—and it’s now becoming an annual event! www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk/whats-on/now...

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 12/03/2025

Today's #haiku: Green wings in first light, Early morning’s quiet hush, Parakeets await.

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

When your Sabzeh is so full of love, it turns into a heart! Join us at the #Nowruz Exhibition, 12th March, 19:30-21:30. It’s going to be a lovely evening! www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk/whats-on/bet...

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 21/02/2025

Nowruz is on its way! My new #Haftsin—hopefully one Cézanne would approve of—with all seven elements perfectly placed like a still life bursting with spring vibes and fresh beginnings. See you at Lauderdale House for the celebration in March! www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk/whats-on/now...

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 14/02/2025

London’s Iconic Love Statue – Anteros, Guardian of Love (Captured by me) In Greek mythology, Eros sparks desire, while Anteros ensures love is returned—standing as the guardian of true love. On Valentine's Day, Eros lights hearts with hope, Anteros keeps love true. #Haiku

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 13/02/2025

Mark your calendar! I’m bringing my new cards to the #Nowruz Bazaar @LauderdaleHouse! Join the fun 15 & 16 March. More info: www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk/whats-on/now... #NowruzFestival #NowruzBazaar

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

Excited to showcase my work at @lauderdalehouse for the #NowruzFestival! One piece playfully reimagines Maurizio Cattelan’s famous banana—with a Persian twist. Adorned with Khatam-kari, it boldly declares in Persian: “This is not a banana.” www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk/whats-on/bet...

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 03/02/2025

Mark your calendar for the 2nd annual #NowruzFestival @LauderdaleHouse! Running from 5 March to 3 April 2025, the festival offers free art exhibitions, #NowruzBazaar on 15 & 16 March, series of talks on 15 March, and much more! Discover more at www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk/whats-on/now...

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 01/02/2025

My salad spelled my name! Somehow, the red cabbage pieces came together to form ‘عارف’ (Aref)—a delicious coincidence! #ediblecalligraphy

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

Five years ago today, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's. Reflecting on this challenging journey, here is today's #haiku: Grasping with both hands, Shaking yet still reaching out, Seizing each moment.

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 21/01/2025

This Assyrian situla, an ancient "handbag," was used to hold lustral water for rituals in the 9th century BC.

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 17/01/2025

Today's coffee froth is giving major #tazhib vibes—Persian floral art in a cup!

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 15/01/2025

The cardamom and rosewater cupcake, a treat from #Yazd #Iran, is lovingly baked in our North London kitchen—where magic happens, and calories don’t count!

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 02/01/2025

Today's #haiku: On the window's edge, blossoms grace the winter hush. Scent of lemon blooms.

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 28/12/2024

My latest portrait of Forugh Farrokhzad (1934–1967), one of Iran's most groundbreaking and influential modern poets. Had she been alive today, she would be celebrating her 90th birthday.

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Mehrdad Aref-Adib @arefadib.bsky.social · 25/12/2024

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas! Here’s a stunning miniature by the renowned Iranian artist Hossein Behzad (1894–1968) depicting the Three (Persian) Magi from the biblical story.

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