Persianesque: Iranian Magazine

Shahs of Sunset Cast: Meet Asa, Golnessa, Mercedeh, Mike, Reza, and Sammy

Persianesque Staff — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:29:14 +0000

Shahs of Sunset finally has a premiere date! Don’t miss the first all Persian cast reality show on American TV, as they bring the drama and laughter on March 11, 2012 at 10 PM EST on Bravo. “We don’t work in buildings…We own them,” quips Mike Shouhed in a promo video for the Shahs of [...]

Iranian Artists Exhibit in UAE: “Domination, Hegemony and The Panopticon”

Persianesque Staff — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:56:59 +0000

Opening today and running through March 31st, 2012, ”Domination, Hegemony and The Panopticon”, and art exhibition in UAE will showcase several Iranian artists, including: Rokni Haerizadeh, Nicky Nodjoumi, Shahpour Pouyan, Hesam Rahmanian, and Farzan Sadjadi. Curated by Rami Farook, this exhibit explores the notion of power through the writings of Jean Baudrillard and Michel Foucault, [...]

Omid Foundations: Color of Love, Artists for Hope

Persianesque Staff — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:49:58 +0000

Iranian artists have come together to put on an exhibition in support of the Omid Foundations.And you are invited to join them at a private viewing in Tehran on 2nd February, 2012. However, if you do not live in Iran, you can still show your support by purchasing the donated works of art online. [...]

Virtual Embassy of the United States Tehran, Iran Blocked Already?

Persianesque Staff — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:18:45 +0000

Has the just launched Virtual Embassy of the United States Tehran, Iran been blocked in Iran already? Indeed it has. What could the reason for the block be? Perhaps the bandwidth was overwhelmed by masses of people trying to access the site which led to such a reaction? It’s unclear. However, it is safe to conclude that this [...]

Love and Devotion: From Persia and Beyond

Persianesque Staff — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:18:56 +0000

Featuring more than 60 visually stunning works on loan from the historic Bodleian Libraries of the University of Oxford as well as works from the State Library of Victoria and other local collections. Love and Devotion: From Persia and Beyond, is the largest exhibition of Persian manuscripts to be held in Australia. Celebrate the beauty of Persian manuscripts, and the stories of human [...]

The Coming Insurrection: Featuring Iranian Artists Rokni Haerizadeh and Hesam Rahmanian

Persianesque Staff — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:52:31 +0000

"The State" presents a group exhibition running from November 10th-December 3rd, 2011.

Bahar Behbahani: The Chronicle of Her Innocence

Persianesque Staff — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:13:12 +0000

NYU Abu Dhabi presents a solo exhibition by Bahar Behbahani which began Fall 2011 and will run through January 27, 2012. Behbahani explores her childhood memories of Iran’s turbulent history. Painting the psychological landscape of her upbringing she uses language, cultural symbols and icons to convey the “volatile sense of place” that she experienced as a child and [...]

AB Gallery at Abu Dhabi Art 2011: Featuring Iranian Artists

Persianesque Staff — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:34:44 +0000

AB Gallery Luzern/Zürich is delighted to announce that we will participate in Abu Dhabi Art 2011, the Abu Dhabi International Art Fair. After contributing to Art Dubai this year AB Gallery is pleased to announce its second exhibition at an art fair in the UAE this year. The gallery’s booth will showcase major new works from Shahriar Ahmadi (Iran), Halim Al Karim (Iraq), Sadegh Tirafkan (Iran), Samira Hodaei (Iran), Mohamed Abouelnaga (Egypt), Hassan Sharif (UAE), Hassan Meer (Oman), Leila Pazooki (Iran/Germany) and Shahram Entekhabi (Iran/Germany).

Reza Aramesh: “Them Who Dwell on the Earth”

Persianesque Staff — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 18:29:13 +0000

The figurines are made by a workshop in Italy that has been producing religious statuary for generations, and deliberately infuses the works with an air of old Catholic saints. In their jeans or boxer shorts these beautifully detailed figures of suffering look like modern-day Christs or St. Sebastians. Using the news photographs as raw material, Aramesh recreates scenes using non-professional actors. The figures are then photographed from every angle. (For his restaging photographs he takes the scenarios out of context, often staging them in opulent surroundings.)

London Frieze Week at Royal College of Art: Magic of Persia Art Prize Finalists Exhibit

Persianesque Staff — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:24:34 +0000

Works by 25 of the most promising Iranian contemporary artists will be on free public exhibition at the prestigious Royal College of Art in London, during London’s Frieze Week from October 10–15, 2011. The exhibition concludes with a charity auction of the exhibited works conducted by Christie’s; directly followed by an announcement revealing the MOP CAP 2011 Winner. [...]

Work of Art on Bravo: Interview with Persian Artist, Kymia Nawabi

Sanaz Khalaj-Santos — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 20:41:58 +0000

Perhaps one of the best shows on television--simply because it promotes the arts in such a positive and productive way--"Work of Art" is giving us one more very major reason to tune in this season: Iranian-American artist, Kymia Nawabi.

Art Exhibit: The State–Social/Antisocial?

Persianesque Staff — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:57:37 +0000

Participating Iranian artists include: Abbas Akhavan, Amir H. Fallah, Laleh Khorramian, and Farhad Moshiri. And showing at Traffic starting Thursday, Sept 22nd, will be Iranian artists Hesam Rahmanian, Mahmoud Bakhshi, Aman Mojadidi, Anahita Razmi, along with other international artists: Banksy, Damien Hirst, The Bruce High Quality Foundation, James Clar, Nada Dada, Tracey Emin, Shepard Fairey, Rami Farook, Abdulnasser Gharem, Hayv Kahraman, Ahmed Mater, Shaikha Al Mazrou, UBIK, Ayman Yossri, aka Daydban

Iranian Jewelry Designer: LUZ by Houman Omidifar

Persianesque Staff — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 20:32:20 +0000

The LUZ fine jewelry collection is a piece of wearable art that you can conveniently display and enjoy on your finger. Custom-made for the individual, the unisex line is boldly making its mark. At a glance, the intense level of intricacy and an ergonomically designed four-sided ring is a sure give-away of a LUZ piece. [...]

Remembering September 11th: World Trade Center by Eric Esmail Parnes

Persianesque Staff — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 15:12:03 +0000

The New York Times will be exhibiting “World Trade Center” from September 8th through the 12th. This exhibit is open to the public and will also be featured in the paper’s weekend supplement on September 11, 2011, in a special tribute for the tenth-year anniversary. One of the most lauded works from Parnes’ oeuvre, World [...]

Group Exhibition: Art Platform – Los Angeles

Persianesque Staff — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 15:15:37 +0000

Leila Heller Gallery will present a group exhibition of contemporary Middle Eastern artists living in the diaspora at the first edition of Art Platform – Los Angeles, a new contemporary and modern art fair from October 1-3, 2011 at the L.A. Mart. The exhibition will feature new and recent work by Shiva Ahmadi, Negar Ahkami, [...]

IFF: Iranian Film Festival San Francisco 2011

Persianesque Staff — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:49:19 +0000

The Iranian Film Festival (IFF) is an annual event showcasing the independent feature and short films made by or about Iranians from around the world, held at the Art Institute of San Francisco. IFF is also a platform for the Iranian filmmakers living around the globe to express their vision and talent through the artistic medium [...]

Iranian Cinema: Song of Sparrows Screening at UKIFF Summer Film Festival

Persianesque Staff — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 16:37:32 +0000

The London Iranian Film Festival (UKIFF) welcomes the work of internationally and critically acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi and his award winning film "The Song of Sparrows", with a special screening in London, UK. Enjoy an outdoor summer exhibition, along with the screening, celebrating the best of Iranian cinema at the Opera House in Holland Park.

Post-mortem: Prominent Iranian Photographer, Bahman Jalali’s Exhibit at Sprengel Museum

Dorothea Schoene — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 18:33:12 +0000

Not only was Bahman Jalali one of Iran’s leading photographers, but also a writer, publicist, historian, teacher, museum founder, and beyond. In more than 40 years, Jalali documented the 1979 Iranian revolution, the Iran-Iraq war, as well as the post-war reconstruction years.

Culture of Fear: Thievery Corporation Featuring Loulou

Sanaz Khalaj-Santos — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 18:06:59 +0000

Like "Omid", "Safar" is on the slower tempo side and comes charged with a spiritual vibe that haunts...Whether you speak Persian or not.

Next Foodnetwork Star: Penny Davidi Getting Spinoff Show?

Persianesque Staff — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:47:53 +0000

Recently eliminated Next Foodnetwork Star, and self-proclaimed “Middle Eastern Momma”, Penny Davidi may have had a somewhat rocky time building relationships with a few of her cast mates, but this Persian girl definitely made a lasting impression on the judges with her cooking skills. Cooking a variety of dishes from all over the Middle East, [...]

Shahs of Sunset: Andy Cohen and Ryan Seacrest Partner on new Persian-American Docu-Series

Persianesque Staff — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:27:41 +0000

"...this is a community that exists all over the place, but if you live in LA you know that the Persian-American community is really strong,” Andy told Ryan on their phone call. “It’s really family oriented. It’s really affluent. This is a really cool, fun, funny group of people...

The Corrupt Minority: Interview with Contemporary Iranian Artist, Taravat Talepasand

Sanaz Khalaj-Santos — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 19:04:18 +0000

Doctors advised me not to work for six months, but after one month I was drawing and painting again.

Art Review: Parastou Forouhar’s European Exhibit

Dorothea Schoene — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 16:27:31 +0000

On the occasion of their 20th anniversary, the IFA (Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen/Institute for Foreign Relations) galleries in Berlin and Stuttgart present “Political Patterns: Changing Ornaments”, the third exhibition in the series “Cultural Transfers“. The series addresses the reciprocal influence among different cultures, which are manifested in political, economical and social structures as well as social [...]

Casting Call: Party Down South

Persianesque Staff — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 12:40:18 +0000

Party Down South Casting Tour! Doron Ofir Casting & 495 Productions announce their latest casting call, for their most recent project, The Party Down South (working title). We know the Iranian-American community is a formidable group in the US that expands across the coastlines, boundaries, and cliques…but do we have any representatives in the South? [...]

Remembrance: Flashmob in Paris in Support of 2-Year Anniversary of #IranElection

Persianesque Staff — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 16:02:54 +0000

Arranged by United4Iran and Move4Iran–two non-profit organizations focusing on human rights issues in Iran–a flashmob dedicated to all the lives lost and all the courageous Iranians who stood up for their rights during the 2009 #IranElection, took place in a Paris, France metro station on June 12, 2011, to mark two year anniversary of Iran’s [...]

Interview: “David” Starring Maz Jobrani

Persianesque Staff — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 19:41:52 +0000

I know it's not a perfect film (very few are), but it is a project I'm proud of. I think that people will leave the theater discussing some of the topics that are raised by the film.

Shoja Azari & Shahram Karimi: Pop Up Exhibition at Tripoli Gallery in NY

Persianesque Staff — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 19:16:25 +0000

A solo exhibition of collaborative work by video artist and filmmaker Shoja Azari and painter Shahram Karimi will be on view at LTMH Gallery’s pop-up exhibition at Tripoli Gallery of Contemporary Art, in Southampton, NY from July 29 – August 15, 2011. Featured in the exhibition are the artists’ innovative “video paintings,” which combine painting [...]

Wellness Tips: Keeping Healthy During the Summer

Homeyra Hafizi — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 18:51:22 +0000

The summer season is upon us. The kids are out of school and families are planning for excursions that will take them on both long and short distance travel. Whether traveling on a plane, ship, train, or a personal car we all do better with a planned itinerary; a road map if you will to [...]

Reign of the Shah: Traffic Presents Bilal Aquil

Persianesque Staff — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 19:27:00 +0000

In his first solo exhibition, Reign of the Shah, inspired by the Shahnameh (Book of Kings), UK-born artist, Bilal Aquil narrates a story of the assassination of a Shah of the Imperial Court and the subsequent battles that follow to avenge his death and establish the power of the new Shah.

My Persian Nights: UKIFF Presents Iranian Films

Persianesque Staff — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 18:17:35 +0000

UKIFF aims to bring the "finest Iranian cinema to London." And from now until the London Iranian Film Festival which will take place in November 2011, UKIFF will be hosting a series of special screenings, bimonthly. Titled "My Persian Nights", the scheduled screenings of Iranian films will take place on the 5th and 25th of every month.

Iranian DJ: Q&A with Amin Golestan

Soraya Cochran — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 16:48:41 +0000

After a string of winning awards, most notably the Palme DJ Competition and the Pioneer Asian DJ Competition in 2008, and being voted as the number one DJ in the Middle East and North Africa, Amin landed the much coveted cover of DJ Magazine in February of 2010.

Philanthropy: eBay Founder, Pierre Omidyar Donates $3 Million to Louvre to Promote Persian Art

Persianesque Staff — Fri, 27 May 2011 20:24:31 +0000

With his recent $3 million donation to the Louvre for "research and educational projects on Persian art" Iranian billionaire and philanthropist, Pierre Morad Omidyar, continues to make us proud.

Breakfast in Tehran: Women in Contemporary Iran

Persianesque Staff — Fri, 27 May 2011 19:41:15 +0000

Breakfast in Tehran will be a chance to see a selection of drawings, collage, photography, video and printmaking from a group of new and established Iranian artists living in Iran and exhibiting in London together for the first time. The exhibition considers the representation of women in contemporary Iranian art, and demonstrates how accepted images and interpretations of femininity are being subverted.

2011 Cannes Film Festival: Jafar Panahi, Mohammad Rasoulof, and the Short Film Corner

Persianesque Staff — Thu, 19 May 2011 17:29:39 +0000

With all the buzz around Melancholia director, Lars von Trier’s Nazi-related comments, and his subsequent status as ”persona non grata” as declared by the Cannes board of directors, we still can’t help but focus on the Iranians presenting their work(s) at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival. Although major contenders and Iranian filmmakers, Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof, [...]

Art Scene: Interview with Iranian Artist, Hojat Amani

Isabella Ellaheh Hughes — Mon, 16 May 2011 17:32:46 +0000

Drawing inspiration from history, the universality of angels as a symbol and religious pilgrimages, Amani's aesthetically futuristic interpretation of angels are wrought with vivacious personality, yet also leave room for subtle contemplation and self-reflection on morality and the universal language that symbols, even when embodied by humans, have.

Next Foodnetwork Star: Interview with Persian Contestant, Penny Davidi

Sanaz Khalaj-Santos — Thu, 12 May 2011 19:36:58 +0000

There's a lot of fun around cooking in stilettos and that element of bringing that level of sensuality into the kitchen and making women feel good about themselves while cooking. It doesn't need to be a chore.

Iranian-American Comedienne: Interview with Negin Farsad

Persianesque Staff — Wed, 11 May 2011 17:24:43 +0000

When it comes to Iranian comedians, we’ve all got our favorites but what about Iranian comediennes? New York-based funny girl, Negin Farsad, is making the rounds and is bound to end up on your list, sooner or later. An overachiever with a lot to say, Farsad is not only a great performer, but her educational [...]

Iranian Journalist Parisa Hafezi: Courage in Journalism Award Winner

Persianesque Staff — Tue, 10 May 2011 20:28:55 +0000

Three brave women journalists who have risked their lives covering the news have been named the International Women’s Media Foundation’s 2011 Courage in Journalism Award winners. Withstanding danger, threats and political pressure, Parisa Hafezi of Iran, Adela Navarro Bello of Mexico and Chiranuch Premchaiporn of Thailand have shown extraordinary dedication covering violence, corruption and social unrest [...]

Sarah Shahi: #24 on Maxim Magazine’s “HOT 100″

Persianesque Staff — Thu, 05 May 2011 19:38:48 +0000

Iranian sex-symbol and star of her own show on the USA Network, Fairly Legal, our very own Sarah Shahi, has been nominated as #24 on Maxim Magazine's "Hot 100".

Sharam Featuring Anousheh Khalili: “Fun” Music Video Released

Persianesque Staff — Thu, 05 May 2011 17:59:28 +0000

He’s done it again! Born on January 12, 1970, DJ Sharam Tayebi–whose first name Shahram is pronounced shah-raam and means “King Raam” despite Wikipedia’s notes, which incorrectly mention the Iranian DJ’s name as “Sharm…meaning shame or modesty”–has once again collaborated with female Persian singer/songwriter, Anousheh Khalili, for his latest song: “Fun”. You may remember [...]

Wellness: Family Health Portrait

Homeyra Hafizi — Mon, 02 May 2011 17:43:46 +0000

Although April was National Minority Health Month, health awareness should be an ongoing effort, and knowledge about the prevalence of a disease within a family structure is important to all of us, particularly to immigrant families because we are scattered across the globe with infrequent communication. For example, while a cousin is diagnosed with breast cancer in [...]

IWMF: Fellowship for Women Journalists who focus on Human Rights and Social Justice

Persianesque Staff — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 18:00:12 +0000

The International Women’s Media Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2011-12 Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship, named for the 1998 IWMF Courage in Journalism Award winner and The Boston Globe correspondent who was killed in Iraq in May 2003. The Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship is open to women journalists whose focus is human rights and social justice. [...]

Free Dorothy Parvaz: Iranian Journalist Detained in Syria

Persianesque Staff — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:55:50 +0000

UPDATE: Al Jazeera is now reporting that Iranian journalist, Dorothy Parvaz, has been deported from Syria to Iran, where she is being held. "We are calling for information from the Iranian authorities, access to Dorothy, and for her immediate release. We have had no contact with Dorothy since she left Doha on April 29 and we are deeply concerned for her welfare." An Al Jazeera spokesman said in a statement on Wednesday.

Omid Djalili: The Paul Reiser Show Canceled

Persianesque Staff — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 20:30:38 +0000

Djalili played one of Reiser's cohorts--all thrown together by circumstance--Habib, a sweet-natured friend, who runs a business selling "slightly-damaged" goods.

Iranian Artists Abroad: Q+A with Shaqayeq Arabi

Isabella Ellaheh Hughes — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 18:39:34 +0000

Shaqayeq Arabi is a painter, sculptor and installation artist with a career spanning over two decades. Born in Tehran, she studied graphic design at Al Zahra University, eventually moving to Paris, where she earned her MFA at the Sorbonne. Today Arabi has a studio in Dubai where she lives and works. Widely exhibited, Arabi has [...]

Gone too Soon: Iranian Fashion Legend Bijan Dies

Persianesque Staff — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 19:01:37 +0000

Nearly 2 weeks after his 67th birthday on April 4th, world-renowned Iranian fashion designer Bijan Pakzad died Saturday after he suffered a stroke on Thursday night. “Quality, elegance and simplicity are three terms that define Bijan fashion” the designer’s website says. His by-appointment-only showroom on Rodeo Drive, said to be worth 12 million dollars, has [...]

Call for Submissions: 2nd London Iranian Film Festival

Persianesque Staff — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 18:42:06 +0000

The 2nd London Iranian Film Festival is calling for film submissions, Trailer Contest submissions, and Poster Contest submissions. The Festival is the only annual festival to present Iranian films in the UK, providing a valuable opportunity for both filmmakers and London audiences with a cultural awareness platform unlike any other. Film submissions of any kind, [...]

Persian Community: PARSA CF Awards 2 Grants to Iran Heritage Foundation

Persianesque Staff — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 17:34:53 +0000

As a part of its Mehrgan 2010 Grant Cycle, PARSA Community Foundation awards grants to two strategic and long-term initiatives spearheaded by London-based Iran Heritage Foundation (IHF). IHF was founded sixteen years ago as a non-political UK charity and has organized diverse activities of cultural or scholarly merit on a world-wide basis. IHF’s mission is promoting [...]

Art Exhibit at the V&A: Jameel Prize 2011

Persianesque Staff — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:13:07 +0000

Ten artists and designers have been shortlisted for this year’s prize, which is awarded every two years. Amongst them are five Iranian artists: Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian, Bita Ghezelayagh, Babak Golkar, Hadieh Shafie, and Soody Sharifi.

Ali Karimi: Iranian Soccer Player on German Team, FC Schalke 04

Persianesque Staff — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 20:24:13 +0000

In early 2011, Iranian soccer player, Ali Karimi, who has appeared in 112 international matches, was signed by popular German soccer team: FC Schalke 04. Donning the number 10 shirt for his new team, Karimi’s contract will keep him on Schalke until end of the current campaign. Not a new-comer to the Bundesliga, Karimi, has [...]