Iranian art exhibit explores tension with tradition

TEHRAN,May 21(MNA) -- Conflict between modernity and tradition has been highlighted nine Iranian artists in an exhibition of photos and video arts, which are on display at the SAW Gallery in Ottawa. Entitled “Ciphers: Tension with Tradition in Contemporary Iranian Photography”, the exhibition has been organized with the help of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Ottawa. Works by Mehrdad Asgaritari, Samira Davarfar, Samira Eskandarfar, Amir-Ali Qasemi, Melika Shafahi, Jalal Sepehr, Najaf Shokri, Sadeq Tirafkan and Rahel Sanei will go on display during the exhibit. Andrea Fitzpatrick of the University of Ottawa is the curator of the show, which runs until June 9. Fitzpatrick has brought together artworks created by these emerging and established Iranian artists to present diverse perspectives on contemporary issues and culture in Iran, the organizers said in the website id the gallery. Iranian artist Amir-Ali Qasemi will hold interactive photo-based performance “Choose Your Background” for the audiences during the event. The showcase has been cosponsored by the Canada Council for Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.