Assar Art Gallery at Contemporary Istanbul 2015

Contemporary Istanbul
12-15 November 2015
Istanbul’s Congress Centre (ICC) & Istanbul Convention and Exhibition Centre (ICEC)

FOCUS CONTEMPORARY TEHRAN: Presenting an exclusive selection of Modern and Contemporary Iranian art through four of Tehran’s outstanding galleries, and a special selection from an important private collection in the 10th edition of Contemporary Istanbul.

In the 10th edition of Contemporary Istanbul taking place from November 12th to 15th, the fair has a special focus on Iranian art through presenting works selected and brought by four of Tehran’s leading independent art galleries and one independent artistic foundation; Aaran Gallery, Assar Art Gallery, Dastan’s Basement, Shirin Art Gallery and Lajevardi Foundation. The fair this year is also host to a special selection of Iranian Modern Art loaned from the outstanding Mobarqa family’s private collection.

While Tehran being home to a vibrant and exciting art scene and more Iranian galleries and institutions today take part in international events and worldwide cultural collaborations, Focus Contemporary Tehran aims to offer a strong selection of Iranian exhibitors, each with their precise approach, presenting a diverse range of works by some of the country’s most important and celebrated artists.

Known for presenting works by Iran’s most unique emerging artists, Aaran Gallery (established 2008), showcases works by four of its represented artists in this edition of the fair. Aaran’s unique booth consists of installations occupying the space.

Assar Art Gallery (established 1999) has been a regular presence in Istanbul in the past six years and is participating in Contemporary Istanbul for the fourth time. The gallery represents well established and high profile Iranian artists generally in their mid careers. This year, as well as presenting works by a selection of its in-house artists, in a different booth, Assar presents a special selection of modern Iranian art loaned from the outstanding private collection of the Mobarqa Family. This presentation provides a rare chance for the global art lovers to have close viewing and study of one of Iran’s most interesting artistic movements, the modern movement.

Being focused on a relatively diverse range of mediums and having a unique and unconventional strategy, Dastan’s Basement (established 2012), showcases works by some of the most unique Iranian artists of all generations that have never been in the spotlight but are considered to be some of the most outstanding emerging and established artists.

Shirin Art Gallery (established 2005) based in Tehran and New York brings to the fair a selection of works by six of its representing artists showcasing a mélange of techniques and artistic approaches and ideas.

Contemporary Istanbul takes place at Istanbul’s Congress Centre (ICC) and Istanbul Convention and Exhibition Centre (ICEC). This year, the fair is hosting 102 galleries; leading and emerging galleries from 28 cities across 24 countries, including 23 galleries that are participating for the first time selected by the CI’s artistic advisor and the selection committee members. In addition to the fair Plugin New Media Section is also dedicated to showcasing digital art in a 1000 square meters area next to the main exhibition space. A comprehensive CI Dialogues program of talks and conferences complemented the second year of Plugin Istanbul and New Horizons.