The Iranian-American artist Amir H. Fallah refers to himself a “hyphenated American.” He and his parents came to the United States in the wake of the Iranian Revolution, and experienced the feelings of otherness that often permeate the lives of immigrants. Today, Fallah creates powerful figurative paintings that question the impact of cultural values on identity. His vibrant vignettes are often steeped in appropriated imagery—from children’s books to religious rituals to fine arts. They read like bright crazy quilts of eastern and western iconography. —E.C.