The Propaganda and Political Symbolism of Shahram Goodarzi: An In-Depth Analysis of Art, National Identity

Shahram Goodarzi’s Artistic Profile and Symbolism

Biography and Artistic Journey

Born in 1976, Shahram Goodarzi graduated from Tehran’s Islamic Azad University with a degree in painting. His artistic pursuits initially focused on traditional themes, but he later shifted toward monumental sculpture and symbolic representations rooted in Iranian history.

The “Soldier of Cyrus” Persona

Goodarzi’s self-characterization as the “Soldier of Cyrus” reflects a deliberate attempt to align himself with Iran’s ancient imperial legacy. He aims to revive the image of Cyrus the Great as a symbol of justice, freedom, and Iranian nationalism—values that resonate deeply within a society grappling with identity and foreign influence.

Artistic Style and Symbolism

Goodarzi’s most notable work is his colossal statue of Cyrus, which he began constructing in August 2016. The sculpture, which stands six meters tall and weighs approximately 12 tons, departs from traditional representations of Persian kings. Instead of the formal, regal depictions typical of ancient art, Goodarzi’s Cyrus is muscular, dynamic, and rendered in a “heroic nudity” style inspired by Greek sculpture—an artistic choice laden with symbolic implications.

His statue features modern symbols, including a prism in one hand and a heart-shaped “Babylonian lock” in the other, diverging from traditional Persian iconography. These elements serve as allegories—perhaps of knowledge, power, or cultural interconnectedness—yet they also introduce a layer of modern political messaging.

September 20, 2025 | 3:01 pm