To weep out of the depths of heart

TEHRAN.(Iranart) - Dena Art Gallery in Tehran is playing host to 'Ability to Weep Out of the Depths of Heart,' a group exhibition of paintings, photographs, a performance art and also a video art.

The event is the second edition of an exhibition series titled 'Human Is Embodiment of a Difficult Duty.' The title is in fact part of a verse from 'Dar Astaneh' (At the Door), a humanitarian poem by Iranian poet, writer and journalist Ahmad Shamlou (1925-2000).

Inspired by the poem which speaks about the potentials and dimensions of humans, Iranian graphic designer Farshid Parsikia, manager of Dena Gallery, initiated a series of multidisciplinary exhibitions at the gallery.

The series started in spring with the exhibition 'Ability to Love and Be Loved' named after another verse from the same poem. Participating artists focused on relationships and social needs, and their works were on display April 21-May 15. One month after the exhibit, the tragic case of Atena Aslani sparked outrage all over Iran. The 7-year-old girl was abused and murdered on June 18 in Parsabad, a city in the northwestern province of Ardebil.

A 42-year old man named Esamil Jafarzadeh was arrested and is accused of the abhorrent crime that shook the nation. The second edition of 'Human Is Embodiment of a Difficult Duty,' ongoing at Dena Gallery is dedicated to the children of this man. "The theme of the exhibit is impartiality, while there is no way for us to uphold it," Parsikia told Mehr News Agency about the exhibit.

'Ability to Weep Out of the Depths of Heart' opened July 28 and will run through August 18. Paintings and photographs are on display at the exhibit. Parsikia has collected the works in cooperation with photographer Zahra Monsef.

In addition to the paintings and photographs, the exhibit features a performance art by curator and performance artist Elham Zarenejad. The performance is accompanied by a musical piece composed by musician and composer Jamal Sameri.

There is a video art at the exhibit by installation artist Siavash Moqimian. It is based on a poem composed by Ali Reza Adineh.

Compared to other galleries in Tehran, Dena has so far been successful in organizing events with distinguished works. It is located at No. 4, Sousan Alley, Qarani Street, near Taleqani Street. Visiting hours are from 4-8 pm. The gallery is closed on Saturdays.