As part of the 14th international contemporary art exhibition Cosmoscow in Moscow, representatives from Iran reported that the works of Iranian artists received a positive response from visitors to the event, which is considered one of Russia's most important professional art exhibitions.
The exhibition took place from September 4 to 6 at the Timiryazev Center and gathered 108 galleries. Modern and traditional Iranian art was presented at this international event in a special 'Persian' section, according to the IRNA agency.
Iranian artists have been participating in this exhibition for the third consecutive year. Selected works by over 50 artists, represented by eight Iranian galleries, were on display and available for sale.
The collection presented within this project demonstrated the diversity of experience in modern and traditional Iranian art across different generations and artistic directions. Participants included both internationally recognized figures such as Mansour Ghandriz, Masoud Arabshahi, Ali Akbar Sadeghi, Sirak Melkonian, Aydin Aghdashloo, Nikzad Nojoumi, Mohsen Vaziri Moghadam, Reza Derakhshani, Faride Lashai, Hossein Kazemi, Farshid Maleki, and other pioneers, as well as contemporary Iranian artists who attracted visitor interest.
Kazem Jalali, the Iranian Ambassador to Russia, visited the Iranian pavilion and emphasized the importance of utilizing the potential of visual arts and developing direct interaction between artists, galleries, and cultural institutions of both countries to strengthen cultural ties between Iran and Russia.
Jalali noted: 'The significance of the presence of Iranian artists and galleries in the Russian market is not limited to displaying and selling works. Participation in such an event means that an Iranian artist enters the professional network of the Russian art market, gains visibility among collectors, gallerists, experts, and cultural institution leaders, and creates opportunities for future exhibitions, sales of works, and cooperation.'
He added that 'continuing such a presence helps build trust and recognition in the art market, which in contemporary art is usually achieved only through constant participation and direct interaction between artists, galleries, and collectors.'
Margarita Pushkina, director and founder of Cosmosco International Contemporary Art Fair, also commented on the visit to the Iranian pavilion: 'We all know that, without exaggeration, Iranian culture and art are very rich, and we have always been interested in them.'
Pushkina continued: 'Before the participation of contemporary Iranian artists in our exhibition, we had heard and known a lot about their abilities. When the opportunity arose to invite Iranian galleries and artists to participate in this event, it was a great honor for us.'
She also noted that 'Russian people have become acquainted with the works of talented Iranian artists in recent years and have grown accustomed to Iran presenting its galleries and artists' works to them.'
Speaking about his visit, Abdolreza Rashed, Cultural Attaché of the Iranian Embassy in Russia, stated: 'The presence of our country's artists at Cosmoscow over the past three years is not just a ceremonial act. This presence can be seen as a practical example of cultural diplomacy through art, a path through which Iran is presented not only through official programs but also directly through the works and language of Iranian artists.'
Rashed further explained that 'over the past three years, by supporting the participation of Iranian galleries and artists, accelerating and facilitating negotiations with the Russian side, taking necessary measures with the exhibition organizers, and helping to establish connections between art professionals from both countries, we have tried to pave the way for a more regular and effective presence of Iranian art.'
He also reported that the Iranian pavilion, titled 'Persian Art: Dialogue of Generations,' attempted to present a modern image of Iranian art to the Russian audience, moving beyond stereotypical perceptions. Thanks to the presence of works from different generations, historical continuity between modern and traditional Iranian art was demonstrated.
