An exhibition of Mohammad Khoshroo’s photographs of the shrine of the first Shia Imam, Imam Ali (PBUH), in Najaf, Iraq, was inaugurated at Niavaran Cultural Center in northern Tehran on Friday in the presence of Mohammad-Javad Zarif, minister of foreign affairs, and Ali Jannati, minister of culture and Islamic guidance.
A collection of 34 unique photos of the shrine is on display at Khoshroo’s 10th solo exhibition, Honaronline reported.
“These beautiful photos can present the greatness of the holy shrine to those who cannot visit it. This is the role of art and artists in the dialogue among civilizations,” Zarif said.
He said he has visited the shrine many times but never looked at it from an artist’s perspective and pointed to the important role of artists in cultural diplomacy.
“The presence of the public, artists, intellectuals and researchers forges greater ties and affinity among different cultures.”
Jannati said, “The pictures look so real I almost felt I am in the holy shrine. The photos beautifully capture the shrine from various angles.”
Speaking on the exhibits, Khoshroo said, “Besides the spiritual atmosphere of the holy shrine which is relaxing, part of its beauty is in its architecture.”
A great part of the shrine’s design and architecture has been contributed by Iranians as they have been involved in its building and reconstruction for over 900 years, he said.
Khoshroo, 45, is a photographer whose works have been showcased in different galleries in Tehran in the last 10 years. He has also published three books on his photographs.
The exhibition will run till July 3 at the center, across Niavaran Park, end of Pasdaran Avenue, Tehran.
