A group visual art exhibition ‘Shahnameh, The Perpetual Narrative’ opened at Tehran’s Aaran Art Gallery on Friday (March 4).
Organized by Akram Ahmadi Tavana, the exhibition shows the impact of Shahnameh on modern and contemporary art of Iran, the Persian art magazine ‘Tandis’ reported.
Shahnameh (literally the book of kings), a world-known long epic poem written between 977-1010 AD by the ancient Persian poet Ferdowsi (940–1020 AD), is considered the national epic of Iran and is of central importance in Persian culture.
The artworks include sculptures, installations and art performances inspired by mythical and heroic characters of the epic poem.
Appeal of the Shahnameh for visual artists, which began two centuries after its creation, continues to be an inspiration for artistic creations in contemporary times. The reasons and motivation of artists in choosing this subject and their artistic interpretation, has been diverse, in accordance with the social, political and cultural contexts of their times.
“The exhibition, whether individually or collectively, has referenced Shahnameh in a completely independent approach,” said Tavana.
Artists have been drawn to the magnificent abilities of Ferdowsi in visualizing the battles and even the romantic scenes.
Notwithstanding the exalted position of Shahnameh as a constant source that recalls the glory and magnificence of ancient Persia, generations of artists have alluded to its stories to criticize the cultural and social inadequacies in art projects highlighting the masterpiece.
Arabali Sharveh, Mehdi Hosseini, Gizella Varga Sinai, Fereydon Aveh, Farah Ossouli, Shirin Neshat, Saeed Ravanbakhsh, Behnam Kamrani, Yasaman Sinai, Artemis Shahbazi, and Aylin Bahmanipour are among the artists presenting their works at the gallery.
A fully illustrated catalogue has been published for the occasion, with the foreword by Dr. Firuza Melville, director of research, Shahnameh Center for Persian Studies, Pembroke College, Cambridge University.
The exhibition will run through March 17 at the gallery located at No. 12, Dey St., North Kheradmand Ave., Tehran.
