A selection of print works by German artist Gunther Uecker opened at Tehran’s Lajevardi Foundation on Friday (May 6).
The opening was attended by Majid Molanouruzi, head of the Culture Ministry’s Visual Arts Department, Ehsan Aqaei, deputy director of Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, Justus Kemper, German cultural counsellor in Tehran and several renowned international art collectors and Iranian veteran artists, the Persian art magazine ‘Tandis’ reported.
The collection is comprised of selected items from the artist’s earlier series ‘Tribute to Hafez’, which is currently on show in Shiraz, the capital of Fars Province.
The artworks are the result of inspirations from verses by celebrated Persian poet Hafez (1325-1386).
“I always recall my memories about Iran and my friendship with Iranians,” Uecker said at the ceremony, adding that his deep affection for Hafez led him to create the collection.
German diplomat Marian Schuegraf who also spoke, referred to a chapel display of Uecker’s most comprehensive art and design at the Reichstag building in Berlin.
“If you want to know how much value Germany places on Uecker, you should visit the chapel in the Reichstag building.” She also said Uecker’s ‘Tribute to Hafez’ is a tribute to Iran, its people and culture.
Besides the exhibited works, a catalogue on Hafez poems, published by Contemporary Art Publishing House, was unveiled and put on show at the venue.
A series of Uecker’s works are simultaneously being featured at the TMOCA. The exhibition will run through July 5 at the venue at No 20, Sepand St, Nejatollahi neighborhood, before moving to Germany for another showing.
Gunther Uecker, 85, is a sculptor, optical and installation artist. He has participated in many exhibitions and his works can be found in the collections of major institutions worldwide.
