A group painting exhibition ‘Rooster,’ is underway at Shokouh Art Gallery.
The opening day saw works from 21 artists from three generations presenting their unique perspectives of the rooster on canvas. Cuban artist Kamil Rodriguez also participated with four small paintings.
The rooster has a special place in world mythology. It is symbolic in Iranian religious and national identity and is a popular theme among artists.
Iran’s representative to the United Nations, Gholamali Khoshroo, head of art bureau of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Ali Moradkhani, member of Tehran City Council, Ahmad Masjed Jamei, chief manager of Visual Art Institution, Majid Mollanorouzi and CEO of Farabi Foundation, Alireza Tabesh were present at the opening ceremony, Honaronline reported.
Roosters are often interpreted as symbols of dawn, might, ardor and even war. Long ago before standard timekeeping devices were invented, roosters were alarm clocks, waking up people in the mornings or for prayer, but today, with the invasion of technology and modern life, the sound and vital role of the male domestic fowl is fading away.
“The exhibition presents a nostalgic theme,” said Behnoush Foroutan, curator.
Explaining why the rooster is the focus of the exhibition, she said: “Surprisingly, it is one of the most tempting subjects for artists, leaving a long lasting trace in visual arts.” Roosters are named the “world’s drums,” removing darkness and promising light and victory.
The fowl has different symbolic meanings throughout the world; for example, it stands for love in Greek mythology and penitence in Christianity. Indians know it as a six-headed god of war, and Japanese, as a symbol of peace.
Describing the various viewpoints of artists as “attractive,” Khoshroo said, “Artists are cultural ambassadors of Iran, opening doors that (economic) policy cannot.”
He commended “the young spirit and the hope” flowing through the artists’ society. “Selecting rooster as the theme is innovative. Watching artists’ challenging perspectives of the bird is the most important attraction of the exhibition, teaching valuable lessons to both visitors and artists.”
Moradkhani said a collection of works by three generations of artists “is rarely seen socio-cultural event.” Furthermore, the symbolic and cultural references of the rooster in contemporary art, is indeed honorable.
Noureddin Zarrinkelk and Mohammad Ali Taraqijah, renowned artists, have presented their works of art along with artists Bahram Dabiri, Qobad Shiva, Siavash Mazloumi Pour, Bahman Nikoo, Mohammad Tabatabaei, Anahita Dargahi and Aydin Qeshlaqi.
The exhibition will run through November 18 at the gallery premises at no. 19, Amir Nouri St., North Salimi Ave., Andarzgoo Blvd., Tehran.
