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Iranian art needs more exposure, says artist

Exhibition showcasing Iranian and Middle Eastern art underway at Arsh Art Gallery runs till August 31, 2012.
by Carolina D’Souza, Staff Reporter, Gulf News

Iranian art needs more exposure, said Iranian artist Saba Orouji by way of observation at Arsh Art Gallery, Dubai, where an exhibition showcasing Iranian and Middle Eastern art is underway.

The exhibition, titled Group Exhibition, features surrealist and abstract paintings and sculpture by mostly Iranian artists Taha Behbahani, Parvin Soheili, Mona Orouji, Tara Behbahani, Behnaz Sarhangi and Italian Marinella Campisi.

The 37 pieces are of oil on canvas and mixed media.

“There are so many artists in Iran whose works are still unknown to the world. Not many foreigners travel to Iran to be familiar with contemporary Iranian art,” said Orouji, who is also the Co-Director of the Gallery.

Her reasoning also feeds in to the idea behind the Gallery that was launched earlier this year. “There are many contemporary artists in Iran who are interested in exhibiting their work around the world; our gallery provides the space for them,” she said.

Of the importance of Iranian art, Orouji explained that Iran has one of the richest art heritages, especially in painting and sculpture with defining characteristics and influences. Even modern Iranian artists, specifically sculpture, follow ancient styles.

“Veteran artists like Taha Behbahani who has two generations of artists after him; sculptor Parviz Tanavoli; and renowned painter Iran Darroudi — all have great influence on Iranian Art,” she said.

In context of the current exhibition, she said, “For instance, Master Taha’s works represent Iranian history through sculpture, combining painting and calligraphy. Parvin uses scrimshaw art on copper, one of the ancient arts in Iran. And Mona has qajar style of paintings that capture narrative fictional characteristics, closely tied to Iran’s past and often seen in Iranian pottery and tiles.”

With auctions around the world, Iranian modern art is gaining exposure, she said. “Iran has succeeded in introducing itself to the world as the founder of the combined art of painting and calligraphy.”

Orouji believes this success has to be replicated in the UAE, and feels strongly about bridging the gap between the international market and Iranian artists. “In the future we are going to exhibit art works from both professional and new emerging artists from Iran as well as across the Middle East. The next exhibition is on calligraphy paintings by an Iranian artist.”

Since the opening a few weeks ago, the response has been positive, compelling the founders to extend the exhibition till the end of August, she added.
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