Mehdi Ghadyanloo’s minimalist and surreal depictions of landscapes and architectural spaces draw heavily from the artist's formative experiences of conflict and displacement during his childhood. A recurring theme in his work is playground equipment. The Iranian-born artist engages in a multifaceted practice that includes painting, printmaking, and sculpture, merging aspects of traditional Persian art with the desolate landscapes of Giorgio de Chirico and the intricate visual puzzles of M.C. Escher, resulting in compositions that are both haunting and distinctly modern. Ghadyanloo, who pursued studies in painting and animation, first garnered recognition for his expansive public murals in Tehran. His work has been showcased in major cities such as New York, Shanghai, Paris, London, and Oslo, with his public art installations reaching audiences worldwide. Through his unique perspective and creativity, Ghadyanloo transforms the fear associated with shelters and borders into a realm of imaginative possibility.