Waiting Ends for ‘100 Works, 100 Artists’
TEHRAN –(Iranart)- he 25th edition of the exhibition ‘100 Works, 100 Artists’, displaying contemporary artworks, opened at Tehran’s Golestan Gallery on Friday.
Launched in 1992, it is a prominent visual arts event. This year, it is showcasing works by 257 artists, each presenting one piece, Honaronline reported.
Friday’s ceremony was welcomed by a large crowd waiting for several hours before the doors opened.
The silver jubilee event presents various forms of art including painting, sculpture and calligraphy. On the opening day, 1.25 billion rials ($33,051) worth of artworks were sold, “75% of which were created by young artists,” gallery director Lili Golestan said.
Acclaimed Artists
The works on offer are in different dimensions and at various prices. Just before the entrance, a number of rarely displayed paintings by prominent modern artists capture the attention of visitors. Works by painters Ali Taraqijah (1943-2010), Nasser Oveysi, 83, Faramarz Pilaram (1937-1982), Farah Ossouli, 64, and Iran Darroudi, 80; also by Illustrator, painter and author Parviz Kalantari (1931-2016); painter and sketch artist Manouchehr Motabar, 81; and calligrapher Reza Mafi (1943-1981) adorn the place.
There are also two small but unique works by painter, graphic designer and calligrapher Mohammad Ehsai, 78.
The price of paintings by celebrated artists starts from a small work by Farah Ossouli at 90 million rials ($2,380) and culminates at 900 million rials ($23,797) set for two paintings by painter, graphic designer and author Aydin Aghadashlou, 76, and Faramarz Pilaram, hung above the director’s desk. One painting by Parviz Kalantari is tagged at 800 million rials ($21,153).
On the same wall, where the most expensive works of the event are seen, there is a painting by Masoud Arabshahi, 81, and a photograph by filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami (1940-2016) showing a field and a farm, set at 15 million rials ($397).
The event offers sculptures by celebrated artists including sculptors Mohammad Hossein Emad, 60, and Reza Qarabaghi, 48; also by avant-garde painter, poet and sculptor Jazeh Tabatabai (1931-2008). The sculptures on sale start from 25 million rials ($661) and rise to 80 million rials ($2,115).
Younger Generation
The wall on the right side of the gallery has a number of paintings by younger generations of artists. A small work is offered at 3 million rials ($79), the lowest at the event; and the highest price on this wall is 15 million rials ($842).
Some of the young artists are known while others are newcomers, attending a public event for the first time. Their works are often abstract, with a few surreal paintings.
The wall at the end of the galley shows a number of relatively large paintings with natural and rural scenery with prices ranging between $500 and $800.
At this edition of ‘100 Works, 100 Artists’ there is a special place for artists from the provinces, in particular Isfahan. Their works are diverse: minimalistic, figurative and abstract ranging from $397 to $1,058.
The exhibit will close August 16. Golestan Art Gallery is located at No. 34, Kamasaei St., Darrus neighborhood. Visiting hours are from 4-8 pm. Thursday is closed.
The first edition of ‘100 Works, 100 Artists’ was held with exactly one hundred artists in 1992. Since its founding, the event has offered quality works and has also focused on the economics of art. Over a quarter century, it has been able to introduce new buyers to the art community.