London gallery brings together 200 works by Iranian artists as part of ‘very special’ joint initiative

Nearly 200 works by approximately 100 Iranian artists will be showcased at Ab-Anbar Gallery in London this month. Titled "A Present Tense: Contemporary Artists Living and Working in Iran," the exhibition runs from September 19 to 26. Organizers aim to provide international exposure to younger Iranian artists during a period when Iran's art scene is increasingly isolated due to sanctions and conflict.

Around 20 Iranian galleries and art spaces have participated in the exhibition. For Ab-Anbar's founding director Salman Matinfar, the show symbolizes the need to sustain the network of galleries and artists, as closures during the ongoing conflict have put additional pressure on the already struggling gallery scene. Iranian artists face significant barriers to participating in the international art world, including difficulties related to shipping, payments, and visa restrictions.

The exhibition aims to present a diverse range of styles and subjects, rather than a single picture of Iranian art. Pricing has been carefully selected to make the works accessible to a wider audience. Matinfar, who previously operated in Iran's art scene before moving to London, and founder of Tehran's O Gallery Orkideh Daroodi, initiated the project.

Daroodi describes the response from Iranian galleries as "very special," with most agreeing to participate based on trust and accepting the risks involved in shipping their work abroad. While the project has faced complications due to the volatile situation, the organizers hope the exhibition will eventually travel to other major art hubs, emphasizing the importance of art as a means of connecting people.