He denies the rumors of his arrest, which were spread on some online platforms a few days ago, but informed that his workshop has been closed down and making the magnificent statue of Cyrus the Great has stopped.
He has been working on this project for several years in his personal compound in the village of Tovidarre Kelardasht. Goudarzi stated, “On Aban 1st, has been respectively requested by the security agency not to hold an exhibition on 6th and 7th Aban where the statue is located. As always, I cooperated with them because I am not seeking controversy and I am not involved in political work. I am an artist, and creating a statue of Cyrus is an artistic and cultural endeavor. Cyrus is a symbol of human rights and a source of pride for Iranians worldwide.
He further added: However, a few days later, on the 4th of Aban, another security agency disrespectfully ordered me to close the workshop and exhibition until further notice and told me to continue my artistic activity at home. From that day until now, the follow-ups have remained unanswered, and I have not succeeded in reopening the exhibition. I am ashamed that many compatriots come to see the statue of Cyrus and are faced with closed doors.
The construction of the Cyrus statue by Shahram Goudarzi began in August 2015. This 6-meter statue, which weighs more than 12 tons, is one of the largest statues in the Middle East.
It is worthwhile noting that a few years ago, this artist did not accept an offer from England to make statues and teach in their country’s universities, and in response said: “Please relay my message to them: The smell of wheat is mine, everything I plant is mine. Leave our nation alone. This place where I live is much better than the mansion you want to take me to. We will stay here and bring self-esteem for our nation.”
