A solo exhibition ‘Azarnegari’ by Iranian artist Ahad Saadi opened on May 17 at Istanbul University in Turkey.
Organized by the university and Iran’s Consulate General in Istanbul, the exhibition features four sculptures and 21 calligraphies and paintings, Mehr News Agency reported.
The technique used in creation of these artworks encompasses burning and mixing pieces of colored fabric in multi-layered patterns, and was accepted as a new art form in 2008 in Iran by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, the artist said.
“My childhood passion for playing with fire grew over the years and led me to develop the innovative art technique ‘Azarnegari’,” said Saadi.
The name is derived from a combination of the words ‘Azar,’ meaning fire in Farsi, and ‘negari,’ which refers to drawing.
According to the ‘Daily Sabah’ website, all the works featured at the exhibition are the creation of the artist’s own imagination.
Noting that the exhibition took four years to put together, Saadi said, “It is important to look around and draw inspiration from current affairs and social issues in the community. For instance, artists usually try to mirror their feelings of disappointment with the color red.” The theme of the exhibition is “love and romance”, he added.
Cultural Interactions
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Iranian consular, Mohsen Mortezaifar, thanked the Istanbul University chancellery and said Iran places great importance in the development of sciences and the arts.
“I want to show people how much we value culture and art in Iran. These kinds of events should be held more often.”
He also said cultural interaction between Turkey and Iran will continue to grow. “The cultural and artistic practices will build a bridge between the people of both countries. Iranians have never felt they were strangers with the Turks. We always believe that Turkey is our second home and this intimacy is a result of Turkish hospitality.”
Istanbul University Chancellor Prof. Mahmut Ak recalled a previous exhibition of the artist at Yeni Mosque on the same art form. “When I saw the exhibition, I wanted it to be displayed at the university. It is fortunate that the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran supported our project and the artist agreed to hold his exhibition at our university. As you all know, art and culture events are one of the best ways to strengthen bonds between two countries,” he added.
The event will receive visitors until May 24.
Ahad Saadi, 36, was born in Tabriz and entered the art world when he was 18, creating his new art style in 2008. The Culture Ministry recognized it in the same year and it was authenticated by most experts. The new style was registered at the Iran National Library and Archives.
Most of his works is inspired from Iranian art (illumination and miniature), designed and administrated in modern form. Concepts and stories of Saadi’s works are based on philosophical, gnostic thoughts and attitudes. He now lives and works in Turkey.
