A century of Iranian calligraphy on display in Tehran
An exhibition featuring an overview of a century of the development of Iranian calligraphy, titled, ‘The Pioneers of Calligraphy,’ is underway at the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art.
The exhibition offers a comprehensive overview of a century of calligraphy development in Iran, spanning from the Qajar era to the early 1970s. It features a selection of remarkable artworks from the collections of the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, the Iranian Calligraphy Museum, and the Iranian Calligraphers’ Association.
The exhibition’s opening ceremony, held to mark Calligraphy Week on October 14, was attended by prominent figures, including Gholamhossein Amirkhani, the head of the Society of Iranian Calligraphists; Mohammad Khorasani-Zadeh, the director-general of Visual Arts at the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance; and the acting director of the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art.
Khorasani-Zadeh noted, “This exhibition is an active endeavor by the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, demonstrating its commitment to being proactive on important occasions, rather than remaining indifferent to contemporary events.”
He added, “Although we initially intended to host this exhibition for a longer duration, we are currently preparing for an international cartoon and caricature exhibition that will feature works by Latin American artists. The exhibition will take place at the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art.”
Amirkhani also delivered remarks during the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of calligraphy in Iranian culture.
He highlighted the extensive impact and quality of arts in human societies, advocating for better conditions and recognition for it.
The exhibition features over a hundred works by 70 calligraphy artists, including prominent figures like Asadollah Shirazi, Malek-Mohammad Qazvini, Ali-Mohammad Isfahani, Abdolhossein Qazvini, Mohammadreza Kalhor, Mirza Gholamreza Isfahani, Mirza Kazem Tehrani, Mir Hossein Khoshnevis Bashi, Mehdi Sharif Shirazi, and many more.
The exhibition also showcases documents, tools, and calligraphy equipment used by great masters. Art enthusiasts can visit the exhibition at the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art until October 20, except Mondays.