The Secrets of Eve by Yasmin Sinai
I have known the work of the talented sculptor Yasmin Sinai for some years and have admired her sculptures and the interesting feelings that they bring to the viewer. There is a strange sense of mixture of realism and fantasy which is pleasant yet often makes you wonder about the messages, the character, the ideas and hopes. Yasmin Sinai's recent exhibition at the Shirin Gallery in Tehran featured the Secrets of Eve, whose curiosity in the Garden of Eden led to the fall from Paradise. There are many angels and some charming figures and interesting painted boxes containing some of the characters. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 2/26/10
Ojan Zargarbashi's deep penetrating eyes
The works of Ojan Zargarbashi at his recent exhibition at Silk Road Gallery in Tehran were some of the most impressive that I have seen for a long time. Without escaping into abstraction as many do due to a lack of artistic ability, Mr Zargarbashi chooses the hard work of realism with a great and masterful sense of color bringing new people into the life of the viewer who look at you or look at themselves with a deep penetrating eye, sly smile, lost in some world unknown to us. This makes the show most thrilling and it was truly worth the struggle though Tehran's notoriously ever more horrible traffic even on Fridays to see it. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 2/22/10
Shirin Malek Esmaili
When we go out of the house and brave the traffic on our Friday gallery hops, it is always good to find something out of the ordinary and unusual and I found this in the work of Shirin Malek Esmaili at the Mah gallery. She was born in 1981 in Berlin, trained at Tehran University and has been exhibiting for the last five years. Some of her work has an honest realism, although some is rather surreal, and there are some unusual and novel subjects, many familiar to Tehranis.. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 2/16/10
When we go out of the house and brave the traffic on our Friday gallery hops, it is always good to find something out of the ordinary and unusual and I found this in the work of Shirin Malek Esmaili at the Mah gallery. She was born in 1981 in Berlin, trained at Tehran University and has been exhibiting for the last five years. Some of her work has an honest realism, although some is rather surreal, and there are some unusual and novel subjects, many familiar to Tehranis.. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 2/16/10
Molavi Puppet Opera at Tehran's Ferdowsi Theater
We were delighted when our friend Touraj invited us to go to see Behrouz Gharibpour's puppet opera "Molavi" at Tehran Ferdowsi Theater which is opposite the Vahdat Hall (Roudaki) in center of Tehran. We were the guests of a young lady, one of the puppeteers, Mona Kiyanifar who had helped with others to make the puppets and their clothing at the workshop headed by Maryam Eghbali and Ali Pakdast -Syma Sayyah, Tehran 02/12/10
We were delighted when our friend Touraj invited us to go to see Behrouz Gharibpour's puppet opera "Molavi" at Tehran Ferdowsi Theater which is opposite the Vahdat Hall (Roudaki) in center of Tehran. We were the guests of a young lady, one of the puppeteers, Mona Kiyanifar who had helped with others to make the puppets and their clothing at the workshop headed by Maryam Eghbali and Ali Pakdast -Syma Sayyah, Tehran 02/12/10
Sohrab Sepehri - A Window to Color
In mid-December we went to one of Tehran's most important exhibitions of the year. The Tehran Museum of Modern Art is holding a retrospective exhibition of the paintings of Sohrab Sepehri from their own collection and a few other collections. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 1/3/10
In mid-December we went to one of Tehran's most important exhibitions of the year. The Tehran Museum of Modern Art is holding a retrospective exhibition of the paintings of Sohrab Sepehri from their own collection and a few other collections. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 1/3/10
Born a Painter: Parvaneh Etemadi at Tehran's Mah Gallery
Without a doubt Parvaneh Etemadi is Iran's leading lady artist and has been so for many years. She is one of the rare artists in Iran I know who has been reinventing herself over and over again throughout her career. I have loved the intensity of her work, the great sense of beauty that I feel when I look at them and the thoughts that rush into my mind... -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 12/31/09
Without a doubt Parvaneh Etemadi is Iran's leading lady artist and has been so for many years. She is one of the rare artists in Iran I know who has been reinventing herself over and over again throughout her career. I have loved the intensity of her work, the great sense of beauty that I feel when I look at them and the thoughts that rush into my mind... -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 12/31/09
Tehran Art Scene: Interesting Works of Masoud Sadeddin at Homa Gallery
I was delighted simply because someone - man or woman - had changed the emphasis of their work to men. Life for any kind of women, let alone a modern one in Iran, has not been easy in the past few decades and yes, we did suffer and still do, but who says that men do not as well? -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 12/4/09
I was delighted simply because someone - man or woman - had changed the emphasis of their work to men. Life for any kind of women, let alone a modern one in Iran, has not been easy in the past few decades and yes, we did suffer and still do, but who says that men do not as well? -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 12/4/09
Mehdi Sahabi (1943-2009): A Translator and an Artist
Mehdi Sahabi was born in 1943 in Ghazvin and died last week in Paris. He was buried last Thursday at the artists plot in Beheshte Zahra. Many well known art and literary figures were present for his funeral. He was one of Iran's best known and respected translators and usually translated from French but also from Italian and English. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/21/09
Mehdi Sahabi was born in 1943 in Ghazvin and died last week in Paris. He was buried last Thursday at the artists plot in Beheshte Zahra. Many well known art and literary figures were present for his funeral. He was one of Iran's best known and respected translators and usually translated from French but also from Italian and English. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/21/09
Aun Gallery: The latest talk of the town in Tehran
Tehran is full of surprises these days, and one of these has been the opening of a new gallery, which must make many artists green with envy to be able to show their work there. Aun Gallery was designed and built by Ms. Afarin Neyssari, an architect who is one of the owners; although due to her busy schedule it took longer than intended. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/10/09
Tehran is full of surprises these days, and one of these has been the opening of a new gallery, which must make many artists green with envy to be able to show their work there. Aun Gallery was designed and built by Ms. Afarin Neyssari, an architect who is one of the owners; although due to her busy schedule it took longer than intended. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/10/09
Reverse Painting on Glass
Recently I came across a most unusual book on Iranian art, which dealt with the subject of reverse painting on glass (poshteh shisheh). Like many kinds of art this may not appeal to everyone, yet it is no doubt an outstanding art book and those who are interested in true Iranian art and in particular glass art work should find it most informative and fascinating. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/18/09
Recently I came across a most unusual book on Iranian art, which dealt with the subject of reverse painting on glass (poshteh shisheh). Like many kinds of art this may not appeal to everyone, yet it is no doubt an outstanding art book and those who are interested in true Iranian art and in particular glass art work should find it most informative and fascinating. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/18/09
Maryam Shirinlou: An inspiring and warm hearted painter
Maryam Shirinlou has for a long time been one of our favorite artists currently working in Iran. Born in Tehran, after the revolution she moved with her parents, first to France, and then to the US, where she trained in Art in California. She later moved back to Tehran and became interested in yoga and healing -Syma Sayyah & Paul Sanford, Tehran - 5/29/09
Maryam Shirinlou has for a long time been one of our favorite artists currently working in Iran. Born in Tehran, after the revolution she moved with her parents, first to France, and then to the US, where she trained in Art in California. She later moved back to Tehran and became interested in yoga and healing -Syma Sayyah & Paul Sanford, Tehran - 5/29/09
The Devil's Ship in Tehran
My cultural thirst for diversity has been fulfilled on and off by good films, concerts and on rare occasion theatre. So I was delighted that last Friday our friend Sharareh invited us and a few others to see The Devil's Ship, a play by the well known man of theatre in Iran Mr Attila Pessyani. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 4/22/09
My cultural thirst for diversity has been fulfilled on and off by good films, concerts and on rare occasion theatre. So I was delighted that last Friday our friend Sharareh invited us and a few others to see The Devil's Ship, a play by the well known man of theatre in Iran Mr Attila Pessyani. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 4/22/09
A Poetry reading and music at the Mexican Cultural Center in Tehran
In Tehran, there has been a sniff of spring as the temperature is slowly rising, despite the sudden yet short lived rushes of cold wind, and we have been lucky in attending some cultural events, besides our less often but regular gallery hopping. One of the most interesting events that we attended last week was at the Mexican Cultural Center which is not far from our house, in one of the side streets off Africa Avenue -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 3/10/09
In Tehran, there has been a sniff of spring as the temperature is slowly rising, despite the sudden yet short lived rushes of cold wind, and we have been lucky in attending some cultural events, besides our less often but regular gallery hopping. One of the most interesting events that we attended last week was at the Mexican Cultural Center which is not far from our house, in one of the side streets off Africa Avenue -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 3/10/09
7th Sadegh Hedayat Literary Award
The 7th Sadegh Hedayat Literary Awards which were organized by the Hedayat office took place last week at the house of Mr Jahangir and Shideh Hedayat in Tehran, in the presence of the gem of Iran's lady of letters Mrs. Simin Behbahani and members of the Hedayat family. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 2/18/09
The 7th Sadegh Hedayat Literary Awards which were organized by the Hedayat office took place last week at the house of Mr Jahangir and Shideh Hedayat in Tehran, in the presence of the gem of Iran's lady of letters Mrs. Simin Behbahani and members of the Hedayat family. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 2/18/09
AARAN, a Chic and Superb Real Gallery in Tehran
The Aaran Gallery, which opened last month right in the center of Tehran not far from the 7th Tir Square metro station is Tehran's newest hot news and ongoing sensation. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 12/11/08
The Aaran Gallery, which opened last month right in the center of Tehran not far from the 7th Tir Square metro station is Tehran's newest hot news and ongoing sensation. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 12/11/08
Oldooz Robatian: An Intense, Deep and Attentive Young Artist
Last Friday, after a long time, I came across the work of a young lady whose work touched me for its insightfulness and the devotion rendered towards its creation. We were at the Golestan gallery where we saw works by the talented young lady artist Oldooz Robatian. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 12/28/08
Last Friday, after a long time, I came across the work of a young lady whose work touched me for its insightfulness and the devotion rendered towards its creation. We were at the Golestan gallery where we saw works by the talented young lady artist Oldooz Robatian. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 12/28/08
Remembering Iranian Artist Iraj Zand
The whole of the Iranian art scene was in shock two years ago when we learned that Iraj Zand had passed away after a short illness. When we went to see the exhibition at the Golestan gallery which was to be his last, I asked about Iraj and was told that he was in hospital. So sadly and so suddenly he left this world, his art, and his wife Sayyeh and his son Mani. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/25/08
The whole of the Iranian art scene was in shock two years ago when we learned that Iraj Zand had passed away after a short illness. When we went to see the exhibition at the Golestan gallery which was to be his last, I asked about Iraj and was told that he was in hospital. So sadly and so suddenly he left this world, his art, and his wife Sayyeh and his son Mani. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/25/08
Hadi Farahani - An Insightful Cartoonist
Hadi Farahani is an accomplished and internationally known graphic artist. His works have been published in many North American publications including New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times. Mr Farahani was educated in Tehran at the School of Visual Arts and at Tehran University, but for many years he has been living on the west coast of Canada. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/11/08
Hadi Farahani is an accomplished and internationally known graphic artist. His works have been published in many North American publications including New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times. Mr Farahani was educated in Tehran at the School of Visual Arts and at Tehran University, but for many years he has been living on the west coast of Canada. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/11/08
A Unique Exhibition in Tehran by Artist Bita Ghezelayagh
Besides this most interesting, innovative and refreshing exhibition in many respects, Bita, who was born in Italy in 1965, has worked as an architect and an interior decorative artist, stage manager and dress designer for three films as well as running a home and being a mother to two very young children, Jahan and Kiana. At the same time she has been working for a major exhibition in London -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 8/6/08
Besides this most interesting, innovative and refreshing exhibition in many respects, Bita, who was born in Italy in 1965, has worked as an architect and an interior decorative artist, stage manager and dress designer for three films as well as running a home and being a mother to two very young children, Jahan and Kiana. At the same time she has been working for a major exhibition in London -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 8/6/08
Ramin Parvin's paintings at Tehran's Mehrva Gallery
Ramin Parvin is the first winner of Mehrva Gallery small scale competition run this year. About 50 artists presented their work, and 12 were chosen to display their paintings at the gallery for six days. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 8/1/08
Ramin Parvin is the first winner of Mehrva Gallery small scale competition run this year. About 50 artists presented their work, and 12 were chosen to display their paintings at the gallery for six days. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 8/1/08
Sara Mobayen: A talented young photographer
Sara Mobayen is a talented young lady who has taken some magnificent pictures of the children she has come across in the eastern part of Iran near the border with Afghanistan. We went to her exhibition "Dust and Dream" at the Golestan gallery where we met the famous Mrs Lili Golestan who has helped and encouraged so much young talent since she started her gallery over 20 years ago -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 7/2/08
Sara Mobayen is a talented young lady who has taken some magnificent pictures of the children she has come across in the eastern part of Iran near the border with Afghanistan. We went to her exhibition "Dust and Dream" at the Golestan gallery where we met the famous Mrs Lili Golestan who has helped and encouraged so much young talent since she started her gallery over 20 years ago -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 7/2/08
The Color of Love: An Exhibition for a great cause in Tehran
Mahak and Mrs. Ferial Salahsour, the art collector and manager of the Day Art Gallery have come up with a wonderful idea of staging an art show for which all the art works have been donated by the artists for fund raising for Mahak and all the money raised will benefit the needy children with cancer in Iran. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/24/08
Mahak and Mrs. Ferial Salahsour, the art collector and manager of the Day Art Gallery have come up with a wonderful idea of staging an art show for which all the art works have been donated by the artists for fund raising for Mahak and all the money raised will benefit the needy children with cancer in Iran. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/24/08
Kambiz Derambakhsh: A Peace Loving and Poetical Cartoonist
Kambiz Derambakhsh is a cartoonist whose work delights the viewers while at the same time makes them think. A native of Shiraz, the city of love and poetry in central Iran, he is one of Iran's most prominent caricaturists. He told me that an artist's duty is to "sooth and relieve the suffering of the people's souls" and what you see is like a medicine for that. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/30/08
Kambiz Derambakhsh is a cartoonist whose work delights the viewers while at the same time makes them think. A native of Shiraz, the city of love and poetry in central Iran, he is one of Iran's most prominent caricaturists. He told me that an artist's duty is to "sooth and relieve the suffering of the people's souls" and what you see is like a medicine for that. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/30/08
100 delicious Italian recipes with 100 Iranian artists drawings
Once in a while one comes across people who truly enjoy what they do and knowingly or unknowingly set high standards to be lessons to others. One such lady is Mrs Felicetta Ferraro who as the cultural attaché of the Italian embassy in Tehran has been doing this for the past 8 years. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/28/08
Once in a while one comes across people who truly enjoy what they do and knowingly or unknowingly set high standards to be lessons to others. One such lady is Mrs Felicetta Ferraro who as the cultural attaché of the Italian embassy in Tehran has been doing this for the past 8 years. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/28/08
A Friday Afternoon full of life at Artists Forum
Last Friday, for an official function, I had to go to the Artists Forum (Khaneh Honarmandan) in Iranshahr Street in the middle of Tehran. It was a lovely spring day full of sunshine and a nice gentle breeze to enlighten one's heart. But what made me even more pleased that afternoon was that the Artists Forum, which is usually closed on Fridays, was full of life, activities and people from all sorts and backgrounds, men, women, old, young. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/15/08
Last Friday, for an official function, I had to go to the Artists Forum (Khaneh Honarmandan) in Iranshahr Street in the middle of Tehran. It was a lovely spring day full of sunshine and a nice gentle breeze to enlighten one's heart. But what made me even more pleased that afternoon was that the Artists Forum, which is usually closed on Fridays, was full of life, activities and people from all sorts and backgrounds, men, women, old, young. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/15/08
Inner Eye: The photographs of Riccardo Zipoli at the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art
Last month we were invited to attend the opening of one of the major artistic events of the year, a photographic exhibition at the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art. The event was organized by the new director of the TMCA, Dr Sadeghi and Mr Toscano, the Italian Ambassador in Tehran with the relentless efforts of the Italian cultural attaché in Tehran, Ms. Felicetta Ferraro. -Syma Sayyah and Paul Sanford, Tehran - 3/18/08
Last month we were invited to attend the opening of one of the major artistic events of the year, a photographic exhibition at the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art. The event was organized by the new director of the TMCA, Dr Sadeghi and Mr Toscano, the Italian Ambassador in Tehran with the relentless efforts of the Italian cultural attaché in Tehran, Ms. Felicetta Ferraro. -Syma Sayyah and Paul Sanford, Tehran - 3/18/08
Mohsen Namjoo - A man who has redefined Iranian Music and taken it to the 21st century
There are times in one's life when we think that nothing new will happen, at least in some ways. So it was an absolutely wonderful and delightful pleasure when I recently came to love, appreciate and feel a young artist. In my opinion, he is the most important thing that has happened to the Iranian music scene in a very long time. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 3/14/08
There are times in one's life when we think that nothing new will happen, at least in some ways. So it was an absolutely wonderful and delightful pleasure when I recently came to love, appreciate and feel a young artist. In my opinion, he is the most important thing that has happened to the Iranian music scene in a very long time. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 3/14/08
The Sixth Sadegh Hedayat Award Ceremony in Tehran
Last week on the anniversary of his birthday, the 6th Sadegh Hedayat award was held at a private ceremony at the house of his nephew and head of Sadegh Hedayat office, Mr. Jahangir Hedayat. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 3/3/08
Last week on the anniversary of his birthday, the 6th Sadegh Hedayat award was held at a private ceremony at the house of his nephew and head of Sadegh Hedayat office, Mr. Jahangir Hedayat. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 3/3/08
Mahdokht Khanboluki: A lovely princess with chic silence
One of the best things that happened to me toward the end of the year was to come to know a lady painter who just paints for the love of it. I had seen an example of her work in the restaurant at the Artists Forum and asked for her contact details, and last month I went to meet Ms Mahdokht Khanboluki at her house and was impressed with the warmth of her works. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 2/5/08
One of the best things that happened to me toward the end of the year was to come to know a lady painter who just paints for the love of it. I had seen an example of her work in the restaurant at the Artists Forum and asked for her contact details, and last month I went to meet Ms Mahdokht Khanboluki at her house and was impressed with the warmth of her works. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 2/5/08
ILLA and a unique Persian Garden in Geneva
ILLA (named after a heroine in Ferdowsi's Shahnameh - The Epic of kings) is an organisation that was founded in 2005 in Geneva, Switzerland, to promote Iranian Art and Artists. Their most long term and biggest project is to build a Persian Garden in the City of Geneva and the group has been working on this for the past year and a half. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 1/24/08
ILLA (named after a heroine in Ferdowsi's Shahnameh - The Epic of kings) is an organisation that was founded in 2005 in Geneva, Switzerland, to promote Iranian Art and Artists. Their most long term and biggest project is to build a Persian Garden in the City of Geneva and the group has been working on this for the past year and a half. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 1/24/08
Portraits of Ahmad Shamlou
Recently we had the opportunity to see some interesting watercolor portraits of Iran's most well known modern poet, the late Mr Ahmad Shamlou (1925-2000) by Mr Hossein Bahmanpour who is from Shiraz. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 1/7/08
Recently we had the opportunity to see some interesting watercolor portraits of Iran's most well known modern poet, the late Mr Ahmad Shamlou (1925-2000) by Mr Hossein Bahmanpour who is from Shiraz. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 1/7/08
You are Not Alone!: An exhibition by Mina Momeni
Mina Momeni is one of Iran's most promising young women artist photographers who combines intellect, sorrow and the art of her time through her photographs of ladies. At her latest exhibition at the Elahe Gallery we met her and had a chance to talk to her. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 12/28/07
Mina Momeni is one of Iran's most promising young women artist photographers who combines intellect, sorrow and the art of her time through her photographs of ladies. At her latest exhibition at the Elahe Gallery we met her and had a chance to talk to her. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 12/28/07
Through Afghan Eyes
Fardin Waezi is one of the most outstanding photojournalists working in Afghanistan. Born in Kabul 26 years ago, he started photography with a box camera along with his father when he was only seven years old. -Syma Sayyah and Paul Sanford, Tehran - 12/17/07
Fardin Waezi is one of the most outstanding photojournalists working in Afghanistan. Born in Kabul 26 years ago, he started photography with a box camera along with his father when he was only seven years old. -Syma Sayyah and Paul Sanford, Tehran - 12/17/07
Tehran Art Scene: Ahmad Morshedloo's images of people
The first time I came across Ahmad Morshedloo's work was over 3 years ago at the Arya Gallery where he held an exhibition of his paintings. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/14/07
The Communism of Snails
In the madness of all the big cities that many of us live these days, it is such a treat to come across or experience simple joy. Last Friday was just such a different day for us. First, as it was our Friday afternoon custom, we went to several galleries and our vision was smothered or burdened with what was on display, although the pleasure was more than the pain, until finally we came downtown and went to my yoga friend Sussan -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/26/07
In the madness of all the big cities that many of us live these days, it is such a treat to come across or experience simple joy. Last Friday was just such a different day for us. First, as it was our Friday afternoon custom, we went to several galleries and our vision was smothered or burdened with what was on display, although the pleasure was more than the pain, until finally we came downtown and went to my yoga friend Sussan -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/26/07
Hafiz is my dream
Farah Ossouli was born in 1953 in Zanjan. She studied graphic design at the University of Tehran and was a student of the well known miniature painter Mahmoud Farschian. She has always been interested in the works of Hafiz, and for the past four years she has been on a journey exploring the work of Hafiz. -Syma Sayyah and Paul Sanford, Tehran - 11/8/07
Farah Ossouli was born in 1953 in Zanjan. She studied graphic design at the University of Tehran and was a student of the well known miniature painter Mahmoud Farschian. She has always been interested in the works of Hafiz, and for the past four years she has been on a journey exploring the work of Hafiz. -Syma Sayyah and Paul Sanford, Tehran - 11/8/07
Tapestry and Weaving Exhibition at Tehran's Niavaran Cultural Center
The Niavaran Cultural Center gallery is one of my favorite places in Tehran. I like its design and the great sense of space that one finds there. Recently they have had a couple of interesting as well as unusual exhibitions there. Last week we went to the group exhibition of Tapestry and Weaving works by Nasrin Kayhan (Shaghaghi), Leyla Samari and Shahrzad Gharavi and their students and colleagues. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/1/07
The Niavaran Cultural Center gallery is one of my favorite places in Tehran. I like its design and the great sense of space that one finds there. Recently they have had a couple of interesting as well as unusual exhibitions there. Last week we went to the group exhibition of Tapestry and Weaving works by Nasrin Kayhan (Shaghaghi), Leyla Samari and Shahrzad Gharavi and their students and colleagues. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/1/07
Laden Broujerdy - a fresh touch to watercolor
During the past few months, the Tehran art scene has been almost nonexistent except for the Golestan gallery and the Momayez gallery at the Artists Forum. Many galleries were closed for the summer. Then came Ramadan and again many stayed closed. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 10/30/07
During the past few months, the Tehran art scene has been almost nonexistent except for the Golestan gallery and the Momayez gallery at the Artists Forum. Many galleries were closed for the summer. Then came Ramadan and again many stayed closed. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 10/30/07
Ten thousand years of Iran Culture
Iran, because of its geographical location and strategic position has a heritage dating back many thousands of years, but you have to be one of the most intrepid tourists to go and discover some of the artefacts that are in the museums in Tehran, although there are many hidden jewels in such places. -Syma Sayyah and Paul Sanford, Tehran - 9/27/07
Iran, because of its geographical location and strategic position has a heritage dating back many thousands of years, but you have to be one of the most intrepid tourists to go and discover some of the artefacts that are in the museums in Tehran, although there are many hidden jewels in such places. -Syma Sayyah and Paul Sanford, Tehran - 9/27/07
Peaceful and Passionate paintings at the House of Artists in Tehran
Recently I have become disappointed with so-called more formal women activist groups, which it seems for some has become a means to recognition and that famous 15 minutes of fame." Some have the temerity to claim to be the only means of women struggle for justice. One can only laugh at such naivety since in a country as complex as Iran, it is simply preposterous that any person or any one group could possibly be the only channel for anything, let alone the defender of women and their rights. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 9/14/07
Recently I have become disappointed with so-called more formal women activist groups, which it seems for some has become a means to recognition and that famous 15 minutes of fame." Some have the temerity to claim to be the only means of women struggle for justice. One can only laugh at such naivety since in a country as complex as Iran, it is simply preposterous that any person or any one group could possibly be the only channel for anything, let alone the defender of women and their rights. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 9/14/07
The Osnabrueck Symphony Orchestra in Tehran
For the first time in years a foreign orchestra played in Tehran this week and they received a rapturous welcome. After a visit to Germany last year by the Tehran Symphony Orchestra, the Osnabrueck Symphony Orchestra played a concert in the Vahdat hall. Although it was not well publicized, we were lucky to get some good seats. -Syma Sayyah and Paul Sanford, Tehran - 8/31/07
For the first time in years a foreign orchestra played in Tehran this week and they received a rapturous welcome. After a visit to Germany last year by the Tehran Symphony Orchestra, the Osnabrueck Symphony Orchestra played a concert in the Vahdat hall. Although it was not well publicized, we were lucky to get some good seats. -Syma Sayyah and Paul Sanford, Tehran - 8/31/07
Ahoo Hamedi - A gentle and firm young painter
The first time I came across Ahoo Hamedi’s work was when I was at a friend’s gallery and I saw some works had been wrapped up, and I was told that they were on their way to Europe. I found them interesting so when I heard that she had an exhibition at the Homa Gallery we made sure to go there. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 7/24/07
Arman Yaghoubpour: A promising painter
Arman Yaghoubpour is a young artist who is heading towards the path of becoming quite a minimalist artist. Recently he had an exhibition at the Banafshe gallery which is managed by Mrs Elahe Raeesdana, herself a very good painter. This gallery has always supported many known and unknown artists to stage their work. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 7/3/07
Arman Yaghoubpour is a young artist who is heading towards the path of becoming quite a minimalist artist. Recently he had an exhibition at the Banafshe gallery which is managed by Mrs Elahe Raeesdana, herself a very good painter. This gallery has always supported many known and unknown artists to stage their work. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 7/3/07
Sofia Mahmoudi - a lyrical and passionate minimalist writer
Sofia Mahmoudi is a lady who writes for fun, yet her writing is anything but fun. Her short stories definitely have a very strong feminine sense and speak of women’s suffering and pain -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/11/07
Sofia Mahmoudi is a lady who writes for fun, yet her writing is anything but fun. Her short stories definitely have a very strong feminine sense and speak of women’s suffering and pain -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/11/07
Mahroo Asghari - An inspiring and promising young artist
Mahroo Asghari's recent exhibition at the Elahe gallery was a delight to go to as, unlike some of the exhibitions one comes across these days in Tehran, it was most inspiring. Mahroo Asghari's paintings were most striking and forceful, even if not enchanting, they were very bold and strong. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/7/07
Mahroo Asghari's recent exhibition at the Elahe gallery was a delight to go to as, unlike some of the exhibitions one comes across these days in Tehran, it was most inspiring. Mahroo Asghari's paintings were most striking and forceful, even if not enchanting, they were very bold and strong. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/7/07
Fatemeh Emdadian - A passionate and outstanding artist and a great sculptor
Fatemeh Emdadian is to me one of Iran’s best sculptors, and it was a great pleasure to learn about and go to see her recent exhibition at the Hoor Art Gallery. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/4/07
Fatemeh Emdadian is to me one of Iran’s best sculptors, and it was a great pleasure to learn about and go to see her recent exhibition at the Hoor Art Gallery. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/4/07
Ata Hasheminejad - a charming and interesting artist
Ata Hasheminejad is an artist with flair and gentleness. He has been painting for over twenty years but he paints mostly for the love of it. Although he studied painting at university he now works in advertising, and is mainly involved in making commercials. Recently he had an exhibition at the Golestan gallery in Tehran. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/31/07
Ata Hasheminejad is an artist with flair and gentleness. He has been painting for over twenty years but he paints mostly for the love of it. Although he studied painting at university he now works in advertising, and is mainly involved in making commercials. Recently he had an exhibition at the Golestan gallery in Tehran. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/31/07
Great works of wonderful lady photographers
I am sure everyone who reads payvand knows about the hassles and hardships that many women activists in Iran have suffered, especially in the past few months. However, I would like to share with you the works of several women photographers, young, daring, motivated, modern, independent and courageous and also very successful, commercially and artistically, in what they do. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/17/07
I am sure everyone who reads payvand knows about the hassles and hardships that many women activists in Iran have suffered, especially in the past few months. However, I would like to share with you the works of several women photographers, young, daring, motivated, modern, independent and courageous and also very successful, commercially and artistically, in what they do. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/17/07
