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Given the concern about Iran’s possible nuclear proliferation, talk about Israeli or American action, as well as the recent media attention due to the “false” election and resulting demonstrations, it makes sense to be more knowledgeable about the country’s artistic culture. Iran (Persia until 1935) actually has one of the richest art heritages in the world and a cultural tradition and identity dating back to 4,000 BC.
Local artist, art collector, and art dealer Farideh Dowlatdad, represents a fantastic Iranian artist named Col. M. Sarram. Born in Isfahan in 1929 and recently deceased, Sarram was a watercolorist who depicted ancient monuments, mosques and churches. In the past, Farideh exhibited and sold his masterful paintings in Washington, D.C., New York, and Oregon.
On the website www.persianfineart.com one can view the paintings of current renowned artists. Though Sarram is not on this website, Abbas Poursafah is a landscape painter whose exquisitely painted mosques and Iranian street scenes reminded me of Sarram’s work. Architecture is perhaps Persia’s greatest gift to the world, and both Sarram and Poursafah depict the magnificent structures.
Like Farideh, Professor Nassar D Khalili , www.khalili.org, is a collector of Islamic art. In fact, the London resident may have one of the best collections in the world. As one of the founders of the Iran Heritage Foundation established in 1995 to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of Iran, he is committed to encouraging peace and understanding between Jews and Muslims. In the midst of fears about terrorism and ignorance of Islam, one can hope through the appreciation of art, our better nature will prevail.Comment
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