Soody Sharifi, King and the Balloon 2007 (Small Delights Series) Edition of 5 Mixed Media - Courtesy of LTMH Gallery

New York –LTMH Gallery will present an exhibition of new work by contemporary Iranian and Middle Eastern artists working in the United States and abroad, as well as emerging Western artists, at the VIP Art Fair, International Contemporary Art Fair Exclusively Online, the world’s first online Art Fair, from January 22 through 30, 2011.

The exhibition from LTMH Gallery will feature entirely new work by gallery artists created exclusively for the VIP Art Fair.  Artists will include the likes of Iranian artists Shoja Azari, Shiva Ahmadi, Negar Ahkami,  Shirin Fakhim, Parastoo Ahovan, Reza Derakshani, Soody Sharifi, Rachel Hovanian, Leila Pazooki, Roya Akhavan, Khosrow Hassanzadeh, and Roya Farassat.

Work will include painting, sculpture, photography, installation, and video.

“The VIP Art Fair will be an exceptional opportunity for our international clients to see new work by our artists and have an interactive experience with us–without having to buy an airline ticket.  We also hope to develop new relationships with collectors who have an interest in contemporary Middle Eastern art and our international emerging artists,” noted  Anahita Varzi, Director, LTMH Gallery, New York.

In Negar Ahkami’s new painting, Salome, 2010, she re-imagines the female seductress as a contemporary Iranian woman, who carries the head, not of John the Baptist, but of a despotic mullah. As the artists explains, “Her sheer leopard attire and moon-like face recall … beauties from Persian literature and miniatures.  The work pays tribute to the flamboyant sensibilities of Iranian women and culture that remain strong, in spite of repressive forces.”

Request an invitation now to gain access to exclusive preview information, and follow the progress of VIP Art Fair’s exhibitors as they set up their booths for the inaugural VIP Art Fair.

The invitation will allow you to activate your account ahead of time, so that when the fair opens on Saturday, January 22, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. EST, you are ready to enter right away. You can then browse all booths, add artworks to your favorites and create and share guided tours.

General access to the VIP Art Fair is free of charge.