Persianesque: Iranian Magazine

Rolled Canvases series, 2010 by Shaqayeq Arabi

Shaqayeq Arabi is a painter, sculptor and installation artist with a career spanning over two decades.

Born in Tehran, she  studied graphic design at Al Zahra University, eventually moving to Paris, where she earned her MFA at the Sorbonne.

Today Arabi has a studio in Dubai where she lives and works. Continue Reading

At this year’s Art Dubai, the V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum) announced the shortlist for the Jameel Prize 2011.

Ten artists and designers have been shortlisted for this year’s prize, which is awarded every two years.

Amongst them are five Iranian artists: Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian, Bita Ghezelayagh, Babak Golkar, Hadieh Shafie, and Soody Sharifi.

Almost 200 nominations for the Jameel Prize 2011 were received, from countries as diverse as the United States, Spain, Nigeria, Egypt and Pakistan. A panel of judges, chaired by V&A Director, Sir Mark Jones, selected the shortlist of ten artists and designers. Mark Jones said: “ The quality of the work shortlisted for this year’s Jameel Prize is outstanding. The output of the finalists is very varied, reflecting the richness and diversity of the Islamic traditions that inspired them. The work shows how complex and eloquent the art and design inspired by this tradition has become.” Continue Reading

In early 2011, Iranian soccer player, Ali Karimi, who has appeared in 112 international matches, was signed by popular German soccer team: FC Schalke 04.

Donning the number 10 shirt for his new team, Karimi’s contract will keep him on Schalke until end of the current campaign.

Not a new-comer to the Bundesliga, Karimi, has made 33 Bundesliga appearances for Bayern Munich; scoring three goals, and winning the Bundesliga title and the DFB Cup in 2006. Continue Reading

"On the Shore", Maharlu Lake Aerial Photo by: Georg Gerster (Circa 19070s)

Pioneer of aerial photography, Georg Gerster, reveals Iran as never seen before, in his exhibition of 1970s pictures entitled: “Paradise Lost: Persia from Above” at the Wilmotte Gallery from April 8 – May 20, 2011.

In the immediate years before the Iranian revolution, the Swiss photographer was commissioned by the former queen of Iran, Farah Pahlavi, to record the country’s topography.

Gerster writes “Flying over Iran, I had been struck by the thought that Persia’s natural and cultural landscape was predestined to be viewed from the air.” Continue Reading