The World from Iran

By Adrienne Urbanski
Its an exhibit that almost never was. As a part of an international exchange between galleries, the Nash was scheduled to put on a photography exhibit from Iran titled Persian Silver. However, considering the security involved bringing in anything from the Middle East, the photographs were held up in customs en route to the gallery, delaying the show. It seemed as though the walls at the newly relocated Nash gallery might remain bare, but a few phone calls from Senator Mark Dayton managed to free the artwork and get it moving towards its moment in the spotlight. According to Nicholas Shank, publicist for the Nash Gallery, the show is a milestone exhibit. While Iranian artwork has gotten some exposure in Europe, that region of the world has been left virtually ignored by the United States. This exhibit is a milestone not only for the University, but also for the country, since it is the first show consisting entirely of contemporary Iranian photography to be shown in the United States. The exhibits curatorial consultant and University Associate Art Professor Gary Hallman sees the merging of two cultures as a large piece of the shows significance. The universal appeal of art is powerfully mediated both by the culture producing it and by the culture in which it is

The Nash Gallerys Persian Silver exhibit gives the University a glimpse of modern life in Iran
received. Of all the art forms, the medium of photography delivers detailed specifics that make cultural differences all the more interesting, he said. Hallman played a large role in the exhibits visit to the Nash. He spent many years working along with Irans Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art to arrange an exchange of exhibits. In April of 2000, the museum hosted an exhibition of Hallmans own work. After planning around the bureaucratic issues that any import from Iran will face, Hallman was able to organize a trade between the galleries. An exhibition featuring work from photographers based in the Twin Cities is tentatively scheduled to take place in 2004/2005. Trying to picture modern life in Iran or any of its neighboring countries is not always easy for us in the United States. One astonishing aspect of the show is that much of the photography in the exhibit allows the viewer to see modern life in the country. And, surprisingly, this too is a country laden with pop culture and advertising. In a photo titled Cologne by Ahmd Nategi, we see an Iranian woman grimacing in pain beneath a surreal image of a woman from advertising beaming down on life below. The photo is a surprising depiction of Iranian life, showing a similarity between their relationship with pop culture and our own. In a series by Shahriar Tavakoli, we see an Iranian family appear over-modernized in bright hyper color while embracing the traditional dress and food of their culture. The ornate food and clothing appears worn and theatrical when combined with the intense coloring. The exhibit also explores the political upheaval that is a part of daily life in the country. Esmaiel Abbasis Tantalus shows chained ankles Graduate student Chris Deo prepares photos for hanging. Photo by Andy Tyra juxtaposed beneath a sky of flying birds. exhibit may give Minnesotans a better The photo displays a way of life we would idea of just what life in Iran is like and expect from Iran, oppression and longing which current issues are changing life for for freedom. the countrys inhabitants. The director of Another surprising aspect of the the Tehran Museum Ali Reza Sami-Azar exhibit is the heavy presence of abstract wrote in a letter to Hallman that the exand modern styles. Many of the photos hibit will convey artists as a group who forgo the traditional photographic style pay attention to cultural dialogue and and instead integrate usage of collage discourse between nations. and painting. Apparently, it is not just This exhibit will remain at the KathWestern Europe and the United States erine E. Nash Gallery in the Regis Center that embrace new art forms. for Art on the Universitys West Bank until Considering the current events in April 28. that area of the world, the project is a Also currently on display is a video timely event. Those behind the exhibit installation piece by multimedia artist hope it will serve as a catalyst to create Gary Hill, which brings to mind the work of dialogue between foreign cultures. The comedian Buster Keaton.

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