The Expressionism Zabehi introduced to Iran was based on European movement of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries that affected a notable number of artists until the 1960s. Zabehi uses color, shape, and subject matter to articulate his internal world and psychological values. He titled his style “The School of Obscure World”, that conveys his definition of Expressionism and its relation to Sohrevardi’s Eshraq philosophy.

Zabehi ‘s choice of subject matter indicates his profound interest in social issues and people’s lives, especially those who suffer and do not receive the attention they deserve from the society; self-ascertain and meditation, which is evident in his self-portraits; and his deep study of Persian mysticism and philosophy, seen in his still life’s and even landscape paintings. The Shepherd (1972) and Miserable Woman (1974) represent the artist’s interest in social issues; The Torch (1973) is an example of him questioning Inner Self, and The Symphony of Objects (2001) recounts the influence of Sohrevardi’s thoughts on his mystical journey.

Mahshid Modares