‘Humanity, Solidarity, One Planet’ exhibition in Niavaran hosts artworks from 35 countries
The Niavaran Cultural-Historical Complex’s Abi Hall is currently hosting an art exhibition titled ‘Humanity, Solidarity, One Planet,’ featuring a rich collection of cultural and artistic heritage from 35 countries covering different continents, cultures, and traditions.
The exhibition, to commemorate UN Day 2023, the 78th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter, is organized in collaboration with the United Nations, the Niavaran Cultural-Historical Complex, the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran.
The showcase, which opened on December 8 and will continue until December 17, highlights pieces from various nations, including a handwritten version of ‘Shahnameh,’ the epic Persian poem, created by Asah Kermani.
Australia, Austria, Bolivia, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Finland, Hungary, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Norway, Pakistan, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Ukraine, Venezuela, Yemen, Zimbabwe, and the Holy See (Vatican) have contributed their artworks to this cultural celebration.
In addition to the showcased artworks, several pieces gifted to the UN Headquarters in New York are on display, including an Iranian carpet by Mohammad Seirafian.
The exhibition’s foreword was presented by the UN Resident Coordinator in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Stefan Priesner.
He emphasized that the exhibition serves as a collective effort to commemorate UN Day 2023 and fosters international cooperation, promoting a vision of societies characterized by compassion, inclusivity, and a renewed commitment to the well-being of both people and the planet.
“The works of art in this exhibition shall serve as a call for people – irrespective of their gender, race, religion or nationality – to come together and build societies where compassion reigns, where no one is left behind, and where the well-being of both people and the planet regain political priority.”
One of the works on display at this exhibition is ‘Manuscript of Shahnameh’ (Ferdowsi) scripted by Mohammad Momen ibn Mohammad Qassem Mad’ov Kermani, known as Asah Kermani, with 44 miniature assemblies, painted by Mohammad Heravi Mozzahebbashi.
This edition of ‘Shahnameh’ was written and prepared on 454 pages in nast’aliq script on Samarkand paper by the order of Mirza Hossein Khan Shamlu, the ruler of Herat. The 44 miniature assemblies of this book were done without preliminary sketching and executed in the form of the consolidated schools of Herat, Tabriz and Qazvin initially; and were made closer to the style of the school of Isfahan in the implementation stage, according to the exhibition’s catalogue.
The lacquered cover encases a canvas painting without any sketches and is attributed to Mohammad Zaman ibn Hajji Yusuf Qomi.
Ferdowsi has used the concept of humanity as one of the main principles of the ‘Shahnameh’ and tried to invite humanity to humane characteristics. Mohammad Ali Eslami Nodooshan, a prominent researcher of Persian language and literature, has said the following about the Shahnameh, “‘Shahnameh’ is generally a battle between good and evil, and this battle reaches a point where good must overcome evil; the value of ‘Shahnameh’ is that Ferdowsi is a poet of humanity and goodness.” In short, ‘Shahnameh’ is an impartial book that describes humanity at its best.
The variety of artworks on display in this exhibition exemplifies the diversity prevalent in the world. Despite this, common values of ‘Humanity, Solidarity and One Planet’ have inspired some unprecedented achievements of global collaboration.
While many challenges persist, the United Nations has been able to stabilize many conflict situations, as well as lead the way on the progressive development of international law, to eradicate polio and smallpox, protect the ozone layer, and lead international efforts for an unprecedented reduction of poverty, among many other achievements.