Depicting trees swaying against strong high wind at sunrise, the subject has a long history in Islamic and pre Islamic art of Iran, where trees and gardens have always been important motifs. Trees appear regularly in Iranian Islamic miniatures, and the works by Saidi resemble details of these miniatures magnified hundreds if not thousands of times.

Abolghassem Saidi is best known for his paintings of trees and still lifes. In his images of trees, he concentrates on the branches, leaves and blossoms. His still lifes are highly composed, and focus on flowers and vases. His treatment of both these themes is highly contemplative and the subject seems suspended in time.

Born in Iran in 1926, Sai...