“These are drawings of the gay cultural world of Tehran, right before the advent of the revolution,” wrote Laura Hoptman, director of New York’s Drawing Center. “These are his friends and cohorts, the actors, the film directors, the artists, in the community that made him who he was, at the minute before the apocalypse. He captured this moment that disappeared forever, in a way. It’s very touching.”
The political changes in around 1979 (the Revolution) had a major effect on his life and work. Many of the cultural institutions and programs he participated in or led ceased. He eventually emigrated and lived in Paris. After the revolution, Saffari lived more quietly; his public cultural roles diminished, but he continued to produce art.
