Meridian International Center: Where the World Comes Together

Mina Moosavipour; Photo, Courtesy of Meridian International Center and J.J.
Music Player, 2006
Oil on canvas

Meridian International Center to Showcase Iranian ArtistsWishes and Dreams: Iran’s New Generation Emerges
May 10, 2007

WASHINGTON, DC – Meridian International Center in partnership with the Tehran University Art Gallery has organized a new exhibition of Iranian art that focuses on young, up-and-coming artists currently at work in Iran. Entitled Wishes and Dreams: Iran’s New Generation Emerges, the exhibit features the work of 30 artists between the ages of 22 and 40. The show includes examples of some of the major trends in the vibrant contemporary art scene in Iran today, including abstraction, portraiture, minimalism, and installation and video art.

“We are pleased to be partnering with the Tehran University Art Gallery and Dr. Sami Azar, former Director of the Tehran Contemporary Art Gallery, as well as so many talented young artists from Iran,” said Ambassador Stuart Holliday, president of Meridian. “This exhibit will help our citizens better understand the Iranian people and appreciate the many interests we share.”

The 30 artists in this exhibition reflect Iran’s large young population—the generation of tomorrow. Their art is an example of what galleries in Tehran are actively showing in exhibitions that open weekly. Much of their art is about dreams of their own past and their historic heritage, its symbols and beliefs; it expresses their strong desire to preserve their past, as well as their concern for the future.
Wishes and Dreams is an update of a major 2001 Meridian exhibit from Iran, A Breeze from the Gardens of Persia, which showed the work of more established artists. Wishes and Dreams will be open at Meridian’s Cafritz Galleries in Washington from May 11 – July 29, 2007.

Farid Jahangir: Photo, Courtesy of Meridian International Center and J.J.
View from the Garden, 2005
Acrylic on canvas

Billion Thanks to J.J. of Meridian International Center.

Merdian International Center is an educational and cultural institution, Meridian International Center promotes intercultural understanding through the exchange of people, ideas and the arts. Meridian’s two historic mansions, designed by John Russell Pope, provide the backdrop for lectures, seminars and art exhibitions. Its Cafritz Galleries, located in the White-Meyer House, are among the finest exhibition spaces in the city, presenting a wide variety of art and educational exhibitions from all over the world. On Saturday and Sunday, guided tours of the art exhibition and house will be offered. If you live in the D.C. area and would like more information about the upcoming events, please visit their website here. You can also become a member by signing up here.