Tag Archives: art news

Film Screening At LACMA: Monir

Posted on by Tara Gallery
12 May

Monir is a 2014 documentary about the life and works of Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian, one of Iran’s most preeminent artists. Directed by Bahman Kiarostami and produced by Layla Fakhr, Monir is an in depth look at Farmanfarmaian who rose to attention in the 1970s with her breathtaking geometric mirror work. Farmanfarmaian’s recent work is being shown at the Haines Gallery in San Francisco concurrently with a retrospective exhibition of her work in New York’s Guggenheim Museum.

The documentary will be screened at LACMA’s Bing Theater on Thursday, May 26, 2015, 7 PM. The event is free and open to the public. Here’s a little about the film, according to the documentary’s official site, MonirDocumentary.com:

The film provides a close-up view into a woman’s artistic career that has spanned over half a century. It explores a range of factors that have made her one of the most innovative and influential artists of the Middle East, from her method of constructing mirror mosaics to uncovering her past, the extreme political changes in her own country and her subsequent migration to New York. With a musical score by composer Hooshyar Khayam and the Kronos Quartet, the camera meets Monir, now back in Tehran after 30 years. Her return sparked an artistic rebirth and although she is now aged 90, she is at the peak of her career.

Below is an excerpt from an interview between Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmian and curator of the Guggenheim exhibition, Suzanne Cotter of the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art in Porto, Portugal:
 

 
For our Persian speakers, here is BBC Persian’s piece on the Monir’s exhibition in New York City’s Guggenheim Museum:

 
 
Hope all of you can make it to the screening to enjoy what is sure to be a beautiful, inspiring, and informative film!
 
 
 

[Image via Monir Documentary]

 
 

Tehran’s Giant Open Air Art Gallery

Posted on by Tara Gallery
08 May

The advent of large-scale advertising has forever changed metropolitan landscapes. Walk down any street in any city and one is sure to be bombarded with massive images of cars, perfume, fast food restaurants, upcoming films… and just about any commodity imaginable. Despite the fact that most people don’t pay explicit attention to the billboards littered around their city, advertising has a way of getting into one’s subconscious – consumerism makes us clamor for ‘things’ rather than critical thought. But, what would happen if a metropolitan city were to replace their advertisements for art?

The city of Tehran is doing just that. From May 6 through May 16th, the billboards of Tehran will showcase over 1,500 international works of art, rather than the usual advertisements of gadgets and appliances. For 10 days, the mayor of Tehran, Dr. Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, together with the Organization of Beautification of Tehran [responsible for decorating walls, parks and other public spaces, including billboards] have turned the very city of Tehran into an art gallery. Massive billboards plastered with Persian miniature paintings, images of Iranian carpets, scenes inspired by the Shahnameh [Ferdowsi’s epic poem, The Book of Kings], works by Sohrab Sepehri, Bahman Mohassess, Mahmoud Farshchian, but also Munch’s The Scream and Magritte’s The Son of Man. Works by Henri Cartier-Bresson, Mark Rothko, Rembrandt, Cézanne, Picasso, and hundreds of other artists.

The response has been hugely positive: The Guardian reports on comments from the Iranian public in Tehran —

Sadra Mohaqeq, an Iranian journalist with the reformist Shargh daily in Tehran, was delighted.

“It’s pretty exciting. It’s wonderful to see billboard ads of laundry machines or big corporate banks being replaced by a Rembrandt or a Cézanne or a Picasso, what better than that? […] For 10 days, people have time off from the usual billboard ads just promoting consumerism. It is going to affect people’s visual taste in a positive manner.”

Mohammad Babaee, another Tehrani citizen, said he was delighted to see works he had never seen before. “I had never heard of Barge Haulers on the Volga but now I get to see a big picture of it every day in Hemmat highway.”

Elaheh Khosravi said she had to rub her eyes twice in disbelief. “When I woke up this morning, something strange had happened,” she wrote on the Iranian news website Khabaronline. “I thought I was dreaming, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Tehran had turned into a museum.”

Shargh said the art had transformed Tehran into a giant canvas. “This is a very commendable move. It’s a festival of colour and movement,” it wrote.

Whatever the purpose, it’s quite an amazing feat – one that brings inspiration and conversation to the public and makes for an altogether heightened aesthetic city experience.

Click here to view images of the billboards across Tehran via Hamshahri Photo Agency
 
 

[Image via The Guardian]

 
 

Portals by art collective Shared Studios

Posted on by Tara Gallery
30 Jan

We may not be as close to cracking the science of teleportation, but the technology of the 21st century has allowed us to get pretty close. With the invention of texting, video chat, face time, and social media as a whole, more than ever, we’re able to cross the boundaries of the world. Without the need for physical travel, people from all over the world have been able to connect with each other. This process of globalization has opened many new doors in the world of business, economy, politics, as well as the arts.

A recent art project led by the contemporary art company Shared Studios launched their project Portals in December 2014. Portals is an international installation piece, comprising of two gold painted shipping containers placed on opposite sides of the world ¬¬– one in Tehran and the other in New York City. Inside each shipping container is a camera and a large screen which streams live to the other container. Viewers are invited to come into the container and for 15 minutes speak to a stranger on the other side of the world. One of the most fascinating aspects of this project is what participants choose to talk about. The relationship between America and Iran has not always been the greatest politically or socially, however the words exchanged between participants have not been ones of hatred or criticism. Instead they have been ones of curiosity and admiration. Most participants have chosen to exchange questions about each other’s lives. Common topics include childhood, hobbies, desires, future goals, or shared interests. Despite the vast cultural differences between these two peoples, many participants from both countries have come to realize how many similarities we share as human beings. Artworks like this that comment on human connection and the global sphere are essential to the attempt to bring understanding and acceptance between varying cultures on a social and political level.

Over 650 people have participated in this project so far, each leaving with a difference experience. While some walked out of the container laughing and filled with joy, others came out weeping and overwhelmed. The range of emotions to come out of a project like this one are always unpredictable. Coming face-to-face with a stranger from a part of the world we would never have had the chance to meet outside of this project is revolutionary and powerful in itself. While countries will always have their borders, due to the innovative technology of our time, there will no longer be borders between people. This art project is only the beginning for this type of global expansion, and while there is much work to be done, the art world is as good a place as any to start.

Click here to read an article on NPR transcribing one of these encounters

A-Portal-Between-Tehran-NYC-2

Ancient Meets Contemporary Event Success!

Posted on by Tara Gallery
13 Dec

What a wonderful turnout we had at our latest opening exhibition Ancient Meets Contemporary featuring the works of Iranian painter and sculptor Chahab. As the guests poured in through out the night, so did their appraisals of the beautiful and captivating works that hung on the walls of Tara Gallery.

“I’m an artist because it is my spiritual need and livelihood. To thrive, I must remain in a perpetual movement of creation” – Chahab

This perpetual movement that drives the artist Chahab was evident across the walls of Tara Gallery on Saturday as visitors were astounded in the utter beauty this collection holds. The sandy yellow, fire truck red, rosie pink, and cobalt blue hues of Chababs pieces create a natural flow of movement through the room as viewers look from one painting to another. Contrasting the harsh white walls of the gallery, Chahab’s colors evoke a drastic distinction of calming pastels with vibrant pigments. His forms interpret familiar shapes, historic elements, and dream like images that leaves each viewer finding a piece of them self within it. As one guest was asked to pick her favorite, her response exclaimed ” I find something different I love about each one”. As wine was poured and laughs were had, Chahab’s art hung on the walls amongst the other guests as if they were waiting to be examined. The intricacies of each work ask for such attention to detail, that viewers found themselves exploring each piece for a multitude of moments; every second finding a new line or saturation of color that they did not notice before. It is safe to say that whatever force of movement drives this artist, it is taking him in his best direction. If creativity is his fuel, then his works are a direct result of the artist’s drive to create something filled with life and expression.

As a special treat for the visitors, Chahab him self was present at the opening giving a special Art Talk on his works, doing a signing of his self titled book Chahab as well as meeting some of his biggest fans! Here are a few photos from the opening. If you missed it, the works are on display at Tara Gallery until January 15th. Do no miss the opportunity to see these wonderfully intricate works in person!

Sussan Deyhim at Shulamit!

Posted on by Tara Gallery
21 Nov

A must see exhibition that brings forth some of Iran’s most influential literature to the eyes of the international community; Sussan Deyhims solo exhibition titled Dawn of the Cold Season is now on display at the Shulamit Gallery in Venice, California.

The multi faceted event transforms the gallery into a giant instillation piece featuring live performance, music and vocals which were collaborated on between the artist and Golden Globe winning composer Richard Horowitz, and photographs from Deyhims rendition of the famous poems and writings of one of Iran’s most famous literary heroines Forough Farrokhzad. Farrokhzad’s works deal with the themes of beauty, age, and the fleeting and unavoidable presence of time. Deyhim felt a connection between her and the works of the young poet; she saw a lot of herself in Farrokhzad and the similar life they chose to lead as young Iranian female artists.

For me, the most inspiring aspect of this project is the opportunity to introduce the great work and sensibility of an Iranian female icon to the international community. Many Iranian intellectuals consider Forough a cultural godmother of modernist literature in Iran, but she died so young (at the age of 32) that I also think of her as our cultural daughter. A rebel with a cause, Forough spoke with awe-inspiring rawness and maturity. She was an existentialist, feminist provocateur. She was Iran’s Simone de Beauvoir, Frida Kahlo, Maya Deren and Patty Smith all rolled into one. Her work has given me the inspiration to continue my own artistic journey during my 30 years in exile from Iran.”
–Sussan Deyhim

This one of a kind exhibition will take place over a span of multiple events that should not be missed. The exhibit is in place from November 15th to January 10th at Shulamit Gallery. Additionally, the artist herself will be in the gallery on December 11th from 7 – 9 PM to do a live performance of her work AND lucky for us, celebrated art critic Peter Frank will be holding an Art Talk at the gallery on December 13th at 4 PM.

If that wasn’t enough, due to the generous grant from the esteemed Farhang Foundation which gives support to Iranian artists, Sussan Deyhim will also be doing a once in a lifetime theatre performance of this work at the Royce Hall, CAP UCLA on January 23rd 2015. Do not miss the opportunity to see this revolutionary work performed in front of a live audience!

Haft Negah 2014 // Iranian Art Expo

Posted on by Tara Gallery
14 Nov

It’s that time of year again!

The Niavaran Culture Center in Tehran hosts the 7th annual edition of Iran’s Seven Views (Haft Neghah), an art expo coordinated by seven major art galleries.

This year, the seven original galleries have invited an additional 7 galleries to part take in the expo. The Aria, Elaheh, Dey, Golestan, Haft Samar, Valli, Mah-e Mehr, The Aran, Etemad, Hanna, Dastaan Basement, Seen, Seyhoun, and Tarrahan-e Azad galleries will all participate in this years celebrations taking place from November 14 to 28.

The exhibition will showcase paintings, sculptures, and calligraphy from 350 artists featuring 400 works that respond to this year’s exhibition motto, “Every Iranian Home, One Artwork”.

Some of the well-known artists showcasing their artworks this year include Sohrab Sepehri, Mohammad Ehsaii, Aidin Aghdashlu, Parviz Tanavoli, Iran Darrudi, Farideh Lashaii and Parvaneh Etemadi.

Make sure not to miss this one of a kind artistic event!

Iranian Artists at Christie’s 2014 Dubai Auction [Part II]

Posted on by Tara Gallery
01 Nov

Last week was part two of Christie’s “Modern and Contemporary Arab, Iranian and Turkish Art” auction, which took place 21 October 2014 in Dubai. Out of a total of 121 lots, 31 of them were works by Iranian artists.

Christie’s reports that the auction had the highest sale total for the category since 2010, realizing a total of $12,510,875 from the $8.5 million estimate. 19 new artist records were set, including Iranian artists Bahman Mohassess and Koorosh Shishegaran.

Tavoos reports:

Highlights of the last night`s auction include “Bergere a Alamein” an artwork by the Egyptian artist Mahmoud Said (1897-1964) sold for $869,000, “Nasser and the Nationalization of the Canal” by another Egyptian artist Hamed Ewais (1919-2011) sold for $557,000 and “Untitled” by Iraqi artist Mahmoud Sabri (1927-2012) which sold for $425,000.

The record for Iranian artworks sold at the auction was set by “The Last Poet of Iran”, a painting by veteran artist and sculptor Parviz Tanavoli sold for $365,000, followed by “Untitled” a painting by Sohrab Sepehri from his “Tree Trunk” series and an artwork by Farhad Moshiri entitled “Toothpicker” which both sold for $269,000. Works by other Iranian artists such as Ali Banisadr, Manoucher Yektai, Charles-Hossein Zenderoudi, Ali Shirazi, Leyli Matin-Daftari, Houshang Pezeshknia, and many others were also sold during the last night’s auction.

All in all, a great haul for Iranian and Middle Eastern art!

Tehran Art News // 17 October 2014

Posted on by Tara Gallery
17 Oct

Tehran Art News // 17 October 2014

The city of Tehran boasts a vibrant art scene for the end of October!

Aaran Gallery // Cut Papers
An exhibition of the works of Kamran Diba
October 17 – October 31, 2014

Golestan Gallery
Painting Exhibition by Oldooz Robatian
October 17 – October 22, 2014

Haft Samar Gallery
An exhibition of the works of Mehrzad Sotoot
October 17 – October 22, 2014

[Image credit: Aaran Gallery/Kamran Diba]

Tehran Art News // 03 October 2014

Posted on by Tara Gallery
03 Oct

Tehran Art News // 03 October 2014

The city of Tehran boasts a vibrant art scene for the beginning of October!

Homa Art Gallery // Mensheat
An exhibition of the works of Azra Aghighi Bakhshayeshi
through 7 October, 2014.

Negah Gallery // Ojan Shirozhan
An exhibition of paintings
from 10 October – 29 October, 2014.

Golestan Gallery // Hell, Purgatory, Heaven
An exhibition of the works of Shirin Mohseni
from 3 October – 8 October, 2014.

Aaran Gallery // To The Bone
A solo exhibition from Leila Ghandchi
from 3 October, 2014.

Art News // 05 September 2014

Posted on by Tara Gallery
05 Sep

Lawrie Shabibi gallery in Dubai will host Act & Application, a group exhibition that brings together six contemporary artists from around the world: Ra di Martino, littlewhitehead, Arthur Prior, David Rickard, Darren Harvey-Regan and Iranian artist, Setareh Shahbazi from September 15 to October 29, 2014.

Here’s a little background on Shabazi:

Iranian Setareh Shahbazi’s starting point for her projects is photographs: family photos, film stills, postcards, magazine clippings and more. In her series Spectral Days, Shahbazi revisits family photos she stumbled upon from her visit to Tehran in 2009, conjuring up memories of her family’s exile from Iran following the revolution. With a healthy disregard for the sanctity of photography as a mirror of reality, she breaks down the images using digital manipulation. Blending, dissolving and over-painting the images to further decontextualize her subjects she engages our imagination in read infinite possible narratives.

The exhibition will run until 29 October 2014.

Tehran’s Niavaran Cultural and Historical Complex is hosting an exhibition of paintings by the Qajar era painter Mohammad Ghaffari (1847-1940), known as Kamalolmolk, at the Sahebqaranieh Palace.

The exhibition displays 30 works by Kamalolmolk, who served as a court painter during the reign of Qajar king Nasser ad-Din Shah.

In this busiest period of Kamal-ol-Molk’s artistic life, he created over 170 paintings. Unfortunately, most of these paintings have either been destroyed or taken abroad.

The works he created in this period indicate his desire to discover the laws of oil painting. He advanced so much that he even acquired laws of perspective by himself and applied them to his works. His mastery in the delicate use of a brush was well as bright and lively colors distinguished him from his contemporaries.

The exhibition runs until September 24th.

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