KARACHI: It is always fascinating to view anything to do with Iranian art and literature. While contemporary Persian literature and men of letters are reasonably accessible, it is not easy to chance upon contemporary art representing that culturally rich part of the world. The Full Circle Gallery should be commended for exhibiting works of six Iranian artists.

Jahan-i-digar provides art lovers with a fine opportunity to witness how tradition is still valued in every creative field in Iran.

The show vindicates one more thing: the age-old mentor-protégé relationship in liberal arts. One of the participating painters, Ameer Asadzadeh, is an internationally known artist. Azam Erfanmanesh, Rahele Erfanmanesh, Bahareh Vahib, Maliha Juhaili and Nafisah Panirian are his students. According to the curator of the exhibition, Scheherezade Junejo, the five students have not acquired any formal training, but witnessing their work pleasantly belies this fact.

Ameer Asadzadeh conjures an enchanting image in ‘Naseim Sobhgahi’ (watercolour and acrylic), an image that is both fairytale-like and realistic. The artist puts the protagonist, who is as timeless as beauty can be, in a setting that blends with her cascading hair, merging the scene with the character faultlessly. It is a spectacle.

Nafisah Panirian imparts personality to flowers in a lovely piece called ‘Gol’ (acrylic). Looking at them makes the viewer feel as if nature speaks the same language as human beings.

Rahele Erfanmanesh brings pathos into the mix with a striking painting called ‘Tanhaei’ (watercolour and gouache). The title means loneliness. The standout feature of the artwork is that the viewer can instantly gauge what the old man’s back-story is. But what surrounds the man, the arched entrance in the background and a murky feel, doubles the effect of the exhibit.

Bahareh Vahib’s ‘Edalt’ (watercolour and acrylic) is a visual delight. The winged creature and the weighing scale, dangling in the air, swirling like things light as a feather, having only soul, no body!

Maliha Juhaili focuses on romance in ‘Jedal ba Nafs’ (watercolour) with the same intensity but preferring body to soul.

Finally, Azam Erfanmanesh’s Andarz (watercolour and gouache) introduces the viewer to an arena that we’re all familiar with. The highlight of the paintings is the precision of lines and the accuracy of strokes that nicely complement the colours that depict a location where wisdom is sought.

The exhibition will be open till June 10.

Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2014