RAWALPINDI: A three-day calligraphy exhibition by two Iranian artists opened at the Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) on Thursday.

The exhibition of Iranian Islamic arts, comprising calligraphy and illumination, by Hossain Ali Asfandyar and his daughter Atena Asfandyar has been arranged to mark the 39th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution of Iran.

Hossain Ali hails from the Farozkoh city of Iran and has done higher diploma in calligraphy from the Iranian Calligraphy Association. He started his career as a calligrapher in 1977 and is currently working as the director of the Calligraphy Association in Farozkoh.

He has participated in more than 60 group exhibitions and held over 20 individual exhibitions in Tehran and other cities.

Atena Asfandyar is an illuminator and has done MA in economics energy. She started learning and engaging in art in 2012. Atena has participated in eight group and individual exhibitions.

A total of 60 art pieces have been put on the exhibition. The artists have used ink, qalam and water colour on paper and canvas which have made them attractive.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, MNA Tahira Aurangzeb said Pakistan and Iran enjoyed exemplary diplomatic relations.

She welcomed the two Iranian artists to Rawalpindi. She said the work of the artists spoke about their maturity and command on colours and lines.

MPA Raja Mohammad Hanif Advocate said Iranian artists were known for their command on calligraphy and miniature art.

Khana Farhang Iran Director General Ali Aqha Nouri said the Iranian cultural centre tried to improve relations between the two countries.

Cultural Counselor Embassy of Iran Agha Shahabuddin Darai said the two countries needed more cooperation for the promotion of art and culture.

RAC Director Waqar Ahmed said such events strengthened cultural relations between the two countries. He said Pakistan and Iran possessed similar cultures and RAC always welcomed artists from Iran.

Published in Dawn, February 9th, 2018