ISLAMABAD: To celebrate Iran’s 32nd anniversary, the Iranian Embassy started its week long cultural fair at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA).
The main gallery of the arts council was covered with photographs, paintings and Iranian artifacts. The event was inaugurated with a ribbon cutting by the Ambassador of Iran, Mashallah Shakeri, accompanied by Director General PNCA Tauqeer Nasir.
Titled “The Progress of Iran after revolution,” a collage of photographs is on display in the main hallway. A few historical pictures titled “In uprising, June of 1963 Imam’s speech” and “Imam’s arrival in Iran”, all showed masses people standing in harmony.
In the main gallery, calligraphy by Ahmad Timouri, a well-known Iranian calligraphist, is on display. Calligraphy made with dull colours of beige and brown is beautifully preserved in golden frames.
The same gallery houses the work of Abbas Katamjani, whose technique of ‘Burnt Work’ uses calligraphy on wood. The images made with little wooden pieces grasp the attention of the viewer in one glimpse.
Moving on to the main gallery, large paintings by Kumars Ghurchian of vivid colours can be seen. More paintings by renowned Iranian miniaturist Mohmammad Khazaee are also on display.
Khazaee’s work has been appreciated internationally in countries like Japan, Saudia Arabia and Italy. “I am happy to be here, this is my first time, I travel all over the work and coming to Pakistan is a great experience,” Khazaee told The Express Tribune.
To display the culture of Iran through art, detailed Iranian art work called ‘inlaid work’ on items such as jewelry boxes, mirrors, clocks are also
on display.
An Iranian artisan sits and engraves and embosses work on metallic articles for the visitors. The visitors were fascinated to see the artisan quickly and smoothly work on microscopic details of the design very comfortably. Iranian rugs and sheets with block print are hanging covering the walls to add to the ambiance.
The ambassador, addressing the audience, said “The everlasting Islamic Art is passed through generations and is present till today in front of you. This art acts as a bridge and links the devotees in our land,” he added.
An official from the Iran Embassy told The Express Tribune that the troupe of 15 Iranians have come to Pakistan for the very first time to perform and showcase their rich culture.
Famous Iranian movies like “Rang-e-Khuda- (Colour of paradise)” along with others will also be shown. The cultural week will continue till February 19.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 15th, 2011.
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