Exhibition to showcase Iranian Arts and Crafts at National Arts Gallery

Friday, 31 January 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Text & Pix by Ruzaik Farook The Cultural Section of the Embassy of Islamic Republic of Iran will hold and exhibition of Paintings and Handicrafts at the National Art Gallery, Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo-07, from 1 to 7 February. In the history of civilisation, Iran plays one of the starring roles, not only because of its geography at the crossroads of many empires, its ancient and largely uninterrupted history to the modern day, but also because it is a dynamic, multicultural civilisation that has produced some of the world’s most outstanding art.

Persian arts or Iranian arts is one of the richest art heritages in world history and encompasses many disciplines including architecture, painting, weaving, pottery, calligraphy, metalworking and stonemasonry. There is also a very vibrant Iranian modern and contemporary art scene. Further in the 35 years since the revolution, Iran has emerged as one of the most prolific and productive countries for contemporary art in the Mid-Eastern region. While Iran is commemorating the 35th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, the Cultural Section of the Embassy of Islamic Republic of Iran, together with the cooperation of Department of Cultural Affairs in Sri Lanka, has organised an exhibition to show case the latest developments in the Iranian Art scene at the National Art Gallery, Colombo, to bring these developments to the connoisseurs of art in Sri Lanka. The Art Exhibition will be declared open by Senior Minister A.H.M. Fouzie, in the presence of the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Colombo Mohammed Nabi Hassanipour, on 1 February instant, at the National Art Gallery. There entrance to the exhibition is free in order to showcase and educate and make everyone aware of the innovative achievements of Iranian artists. This is a once in a life time opportunity for all art enthusiasts, students of Art and cinema and the lay; do avail this rare instance of not only viewing the techniques and style of the Iranian artist but also to meet the artists present in person to interact and share their experiences. A notable attraction of this exhibition will be the presence of the Iranian artist Huda Najafi, an exponent of ‘Water Colour Paintings’. Born in 1981, Najafi, who has a Masters degree in Environment Management, is a born artist who later learned from pioneers Asgharali and Noor Mohamed Zadeh; her specialty being Water Colour. Najafi so far has had her works displayed at several exhibitions; in places like Germany, Tehran and Isfahan (Solo-2009); and at Iranian Art Festivals in countries like Italy, Japan, Armenia and Saudi Arabia. Her works were also exhibited in many cities around Iran. In addition this exhibition highlights a few but exquisite pieces of metalwork and ceramics from our collection selected for their exceptional quality and the intricacy of their decoration.