Iranian paintings to go on display today
Pieces depicting calligraphy are mostly by Naser while Ramin’s work encompasses miniature paintings.
LAHORE:
Calligraphy and miniature paintings exhibition by two Iranian artists - Ramin Merati and Naser Javaher Pori - will go on display today (Saturday) at the Lahore Art Council.
Art work by the two artists is already on display at the Alhamra Art Gallery.
Pieces depicting calligraphy are mostly by Naser while Ramin’s work encompasses miniature paintings.
In view of Ramazan, both the artists have chosen to put work reflecting religious themes on display.
Naser’s calligraphy is unlike Pakistani calligraphy, most of which is done in khat-e-nastalique. A piece by Naser showed Bismillah inscribed on canvass through a half-opened window. Pointing to the painting, he explains, “The half-opened window shows that Bismillah is a key to open a treasure of blessings.”
Most of his calligraphy work includes floral patterns and designs in background as he believes they add charm to the paintings.
“Most Iranian artists draw a pattern before beginning the writing aspect of calligraphy. However, some choose to write on blank canvases. But patterns certainly beautify and make the paintings more appealing,” he said while talking to reporters.
Naser’s drawing and writings pegged onto the canvases using nails and hooks got the most attention. He had not made use of colour.
“The technique is known as nail art in Iran,” told Ramen.
“It is quite popular there and I plan to teach it to participants of the workshop here,” he added.
Ramin’s work included painting of birds and flowers. Speaking to The Express Tribune, he said he had chosen paintings that match the theme. Techniques of miniature in Pakistan and Iran are quite similar, he said.
He added that there were seven schools in Persian miniature. “Although Irani artists experiment a lot but the indigenous Persian art still remains the most popular.”
Responding to a question regarding his second visit to Pakistan, Ramin said he liked Lahore for its ancient monuments. “I like the Badshahi Masjid and the Shalimar Gardens. The city’s rich history is reflected in its historical architecture. They are very different from those in Iran but both have their artistic significance,” he went on to say. Naser also appreciated the Lahoris for their hospitality and good spirits. “Even if they don’t have enough money, they live in good spirits and this is what I like about this city,” he said.
Prices of the painting on display range from Rs30,000 to Rs220,000. The exhibition will run until August 31.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 28th, 2010.
Calligraphy and miniature paintings exhibition by two Iranian artists - Ramin Merati and Naser Javaher Pori - will go on display today (Saturday) at the Lahore Art Council.
Art work by the two artists is already on display at the Alhamra Art Gallery.
Pieces depicting calligraphy are mostly by Naser while Ramin’s work encompasses miniature paintings.
In view of Ramazan, both the artists have chosen to put work reflecting religious themes on display.
Naser’s calligraphy is unlike Pakistani calligraphy, most of which is done in khat-e-nastalique. A piece by Naser showed Bismillah inscribed on canvass through a half-opened window. Pointing to the painting, he explains, “The half-opened window shows that Bismillah is a key to open a treasure of blessings.”
Most of his calligraphy work includes floral patterns and designs in background as he believes they add charm to the paintings.
“Most Iranian artists draw a pattern before beginning the writing aspect of calligraphy. However, some choose to write on blank canvases. But patterns certainly beautify and make the paintings more appealing,” he said while talking to reporters.
Naser’s drawing and writings pegged onto the canvases using nails and hooks got the most attention. He had not made use of colour.
“The technique is known as nail art in Iran,” told Ramen.
“It is quite popular there and I plan to teach it to participants of the workshop here,” he added.
Ramin’s work included painting of birds and flowers. Speaking to The Express Tribune, he said he had chosen paintings that match the theme. Techniques of miniature in Pakistan and Iran are quite similar, he said.
He added that there were seven schools in Persian miniature. “Although Irani artists experiment a lot but the indigenous Persian art still remains the most popular.”
Responding to a question regarding his second visit to Pakistan, Ramin said he liked Lahore for its ancient monuments. “I like the Badshahi Masjid and the Shalimar Gardens. The city’s rich history is reflected in its historical architecture. They are very different from those in Iran but both have their artistic significance,” he went on to say. Naser also appreciated the Lahoris for their hospitality and good spirits. “Even if they don’t have enough money, they live in good spirits and this is what I like about this city,” he said.
Prices of the painting on display range from Rs30,000 to Rs220,000. The exhibition will run until August 31.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 28th, 2010.