A painting exhibition of an overview on modern Iranian art opened on Friday in Tehran, featuring the works of veteran Iranian painter of Armenian descent Garnik Der Hacopian.
The exhibition is at two galleries on Valiasr Avenue: Aria Gallery at No. 10, Zarrin Alley, North of Beheshti Street and Mahe Mehr Gallery at No. 7, Niloufar Street, Niayesh intersection.
The joint project features a collection of 70 paintings created by the artist over a period of 50 years, the Persian daily Donya-e-Eqtesad reported.
The event is titled ‘Presence of Absent Artist,’ due to the fact that Hacopian has not organized a public show of his works for about 38 years. During the time, the artist sought solitude at his home, working on his paintings.
“We just want to present an overview. From his various working periods, we picked those of the artist’s paintings we thought to be the best,” said painter Aria Shokouhi Eqbal, 53, manager of Aria Gallery.
Hacopian has had a long artistic career. He belonged to the circle of artists at Qandriz Gallery, also known as Iran Hall, which was a private gallery established by innovative art students of Tehran University in 1964. Like Seyhoun Gallery, Qandriz had a major role in promotion of modern painting in Iran. In the 1960s and 70s, the gallery reached the height of its activities. It closed in 1978.
Visiting hours for the ‘Presence of Absent Artist’ are 2-8 pm at both galleries, and 4-8 pm on Fridays. The exhibition will run through December 9.
