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I think being from Iran sharpened my eye as an art dealer…

“I think being from Iran sharpened my eye as an art dealer. This is why, today, I think the true definition of so-called postmodernism is the acceptance that we cannot go by old models any longer. The old models were based upon a single narrative of development that happened along a singular path…” quote by Tony Shafrazi
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“I think being from Iran sharpened my eye as an art dealer. This is why, today, I think the true definition of so-called postmodernism is the acceptance that we cannot go by old models any longer. The old models were based upon a single narrative of development that happened along a singular path. In the 20th century, you have electricity, you have transportation by plane, you have the telephone and all the various media that developed, you have a multiplicity of events and voices and creativities that are happening all around the world-and that multiplicity escalated after the war.”

Tony Shafrazi

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He argues postmodernism means abandoning single, linear narratives for a pluralistic, media‑rich reality shaped by global events and technologies.

In simple terms: Postmodernism embraces many voices and histories, not one story.

Key Takeaway

Embrace diverse perspectives and reject outdated single‑track thinking.

Themes

art culture globalization technology history

Mood

reflective analytical

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • gallery curation
  • art criticism
  • education
  • policy making
  • media production

Key Concepts

postmodernism pluralism media theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance multiple narratives in practice?
  • What risks arise from rejecting all traditional frameworks?
A Different Perspective

Complexity can overwhelm decision‑making and dilute clear direction.

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