Veteran painter Ane Mohammad Tatari has displayed ‘Recent Works’ at Etemad Art Gallery in Tehran.
People of various colors, cast and creed are the highlights of the paintings. He has painted “people living in freedom and peace, in a world where humans are treated with respect, regardless of their ethnicity, color, language and religion”, Tatari said in a note released for the exhibit, Honaronline reported.
“This is the most fundamental wish commonly harbored by people of the world and I’ve tried to reflect it in my works,” the statement added.
“Most of the paintings relate to war, abhorrence for conflict and the need for peace,” Tatari said. Social themes are more frequent in his recent works.
“The exhibit seeks to promote social equality and reverts to traditional art. Among the subjects, I included war refugees. They’ve been my preoccupation for two years.”
He adds, “The Earth belongs to all humans. God created humans and let them travel everywhere freely… In some of my paintings I implore state officials of countries to help the people who are forced to leave their war-stricken homes,” he added.
“Every day, on TV and other news outlets we see refugees who have nowhere to go. In one of the paintings, there are a few ocean bottles that represent a request from homeless people. My paintings show some tradition-abiding people who come to their help.”
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In one of the featured works, Tatari has painted Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. “In the background, we can see miniature horses. Horse is said to be a noble creature and I believe Mr. Zarif is a man of dignity. When the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (commonly known as the Iran Nuclear Deal) was under marathon discussions by the seven countries, with his characteristic attitude and noble manners, Mr. Zarif became particularly popular among his people. In the painting, he represents a peaceful human being who is trying to bridge the gap between nations and cultures. In the painting, I tried to show Zarfi’s nobility in the way he walks.”
“My works are plain and naïve, capable of communicating with people. The themes and concepts I choose are palpable for all. There is of course a certain philosophy behind the works, but it is conveyable to the audience due to familiar motifs and symbolism,” Tatari added.
Born in Gonbad-e-Kavus, Golestan Province, Tatari, 62, holds a master’s degree in painting.
He has participated in more than 80 individual and group exhibitions in England, France, Italy, Portugal, India, Switzerland and Romania. His artworks are found in private and public collections such as the British Museum in London and Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art.
He has received many awards in Tehran including the 2nd and the 4th Biennial of Contemporary Painting of the Islamic World in Tehran in 2003 and 2006.
Reminiscent of his Central Asian roots, Tatari’s work reflects the tribal, mystical and colorful background of his homeland, Turkmen Sahra, in northeast Iran.
Inspired by the desert landscapes of his homeland, Tatari often uses the warm shades of orange and red to illustrate semi-abstract figures in traditional Persian ceremonies. He teaches fine arts at Tehran University.
‘Recent Works’ opened in mid-March and will run through April 17 at the gallery located at No. 4, Boukan Street, Sadeqi-Qomi Street, Yaser Square in Niavaran neighborhood.
