Cultural Dialogue
A month later after the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between SAFAA and Fine Arts Academy of Tehran
Nearly a month ago a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the State Academy of Fine Arts of Armenia and Fine Arts Academy of Tehran in favor of further development of relations of both countries. Less than a month later the first project of cooperation came to life in the form of an interesting exhibition of the works of Iranian artists held at SAFAA hall. Overall 70 works were exhibited, the majority of them being portraits among which the ones of elderly people were impressive; outlining the wrinkles and lines traced by years.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Iran to Armenia, Abbas Badakhshan Zohouri, the adviser to the Cultural Center of the Iranian Embassy in Armenia, Seyed Hossein Tabatabai, other organisers of the exhibition and some of the authors. In his opening speech, the Rector of SAFAA, Aram Isabekyan particularly mentioned, “this cooperation between our Academies is another stone added to the basis of cooperation existing between Armenia and Iran to good neighborhood, peaceful co-existence and seeing the future. And there is no better, no straightforward way to get to know each other than art and beauty.”
The exhibition will be open to the public for a few more days allowing the students and teachers to familiarize with the creative approaches, modes and styles of Iranian artists. Speaking about the background of cultural ties between our countries, the Ambassador Mr. Zohouri mentioned that although they are on high level, such kind of events can reinforce their development. At the same time he noticed that such events have importance and positive impact not only on culture but also other spheres of life, economy and even politics.
As it was noticed by Seyed Hossein Tabatabai culture is a language of dialogue between two counties a means to get to know one another and build best relationship, “As aCultural Center of the Iranian Embassy, we consider our mission to be cooperation as the most effective means. The most effective way to it is the active ties between the relevant institutions and this event is the best evidence of it.” He outlined that there is a misconception in the world regarding the women rights in Iran. Meanwhile this exhibition is another proof of its denial as most of its participants are women. Mr. Tabatabai noted as well that the role of women in the Iranian society has changed since the Revolution; along with raising children and performing their family duties they alsodemonstrate their abilities in various spheres of life including the creative filed.
The Chairman of Artists’ Union of Armenia and the SAFAA Board of Trustees, Suren Safaryan outlined in his greeting speech that the Memorandum signed about a month ago was immediately put in action having a prompt feedbackand this very first project will surely have its continuation.
Within the frames of cooperation between SAFAA and State Conservatory after Komitas the above-mentioned event was accompanied by a third year student Tatevik Hakobyan’s performancefilling the hall with sweet Eastern notes of Nikoghayos Tigranyan’s music.
The event was concluded by awarding SAFAA Rector Aram Isabekyan, head of International Relations Mary Patvakanyan, an employee at the Embassy of Islamic Republic of Iran in Armenia, Armina Sargsyan, the adviser to the Cultural Center of the Iranian Embassy in Armenia, Seyed Hossein Tabatabai, Ali Rezza Gharayi, Fateme Jamshidi with certificates of Gratitude. All the participants of the exhibition were awarded with certificates of participation.
Melanya Badalyan
Translated by Naira Stepanyan
