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. Read the full story

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.” Read the full story

UK-based industrial design team, Arash + Kelly debut two new pieces: the Seventy Pound Note piece and the Lord of the Flies fly swatter.

And with all the Quantitive Easing going on, it seems the £50 note is about to get a run for its money, being the head of the clan.

Read the full story

As the first gallery in Europe to focus on contemporary visual arts from Iran, London-based Xerxes Art presents Iranian artist Simeen Farhat.

Simeen Farhat is an internationally renowned artist and academic who challenges popular perceptions in the West through her multimedia works. Read the full story