The unique paintings of Bobak Etminani give those of us in the West a glimpse into a cultural tradition thousands of years old and shaken to its roots by the globalization of contemporary art.
Widely acclaimed in Iran where he has taught and lived for the past decade, this successful artist has created an exciting blend consisting of raw, physical energy of Abstract Expressionism, a calligraphic and ornamental use of the medium, and the contemplative penetration of the inner self as found in Sufi mysticism.
Almost hypnotic in their structural simplicity, Mr. Etminanis paintings are both highly personal and universally appealing in their spiritual content.
Larry McClary, Professor of Fine art, California College of the Arts, 2002