The Iranian Illustration Exhibition focused solely on illustrations in the Shahnameh as the national book of Iranians. The exhibition was held as part of the Tbilisi Book Days (November 28-30), Head of International Affairs of Iran Cultural Fairs Institute (ICFI) Gholamreza No’ei said.
The displays, which included 100 works by 20 Iranian illustrators, were selected from among the works of outstanding illustrators that have been published, Tasnim news agency reported.
Iran and Georgia both have an ancient civilization and share cultural ties. The ICFI attended the first Tbilisi Book Festival from May 29 to June 1. The Iranian pavilion was welcomed warmly and several viewers were excited to see the pictures of spectacular Iranian sites. The head of the Society of Tiblisi Illustrators also admired the quality of Persian illustrated books for children, No’ei said.
“It was then that the initial talks for the joint Tbilisi Book Days project were initiated and a Memorandum of Understanding was signed. With the affirmation of Iran’s deputy of cultural affairs, it was agreed that a number of Iranian illustrators should present their works which focus on the Shahnameh at the event,” he said.
Children’s Publications
In addition to illustrations, ten children’s books with Shahnameh themes were also presented. The Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults, Ofogh, Nazar, Shabaviz, Panjere, Ghadyani, etc. submitted several titles, and the final books were selected after taking the opinion of experts and writers.
Illustrators from Iran included among others Ali Boozari, Amir Shabanipour, Atieh Markazi, Farshid Shafiee, Golriz Gorgani, Karim Nasr, Maneli Manuochehri, Marjan Vafaeian, Pejman Rahimizadeh, and Zahra Haghgoo.
Illustrators Ali Boozari and Golriz Gorgani were present at the event, conducting arts workshops and delivering lectures.
