RAWALPINDI: (Parliament Times) An exhibition of Iranian Islamic Arts comprising on Calligraphy and Illumination by Iranian artists Hossain Ali Asfandyar and his daughter Atena Asfandyar has been kicked under auspices of Khana Farhang Iran in collaboration with Rawalpindi Arts Council here on Thursday. Member National Assembly Tahira Aurangzeb and Member Punjab Assembly Raja Muhammad Hanif Advocate and Cultural Counselor Embassy of Iran Agha Shahab ud Din Darai flanked by DG Khana Farhang Iran, Rawalpindi Ali Aqhanouri, Naheed Manzoor and Director RAC Waqar Ahmed inaugurated the exhibition. The exhibition has been arranged to mark 39th anniversary of the glorious victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran.
The artist Hossain Ali Asfandyar hailing from Farozkoh city Iran has done higher diploma in calligraphy from Iranian Calligraphy Association. He started his career as calligrapher in 1977 and is currently working as Director Calligraphy Association Farozkoh city Iran.
He participated in more than 60 group exhibitions and holding of more than 20 individual exhibitions in Tehran and other cities. He also visited Algeria, Lebanon and other countries besides Pakistan and has a number of awards to his credit. While his daughter Atena Asfandyar is an illuminator and is highly educated having M.A in Economics Energy. She started learning and engaging in art from 2012. Atena Asfandyar learnt his art from Ali Kohpaya, Muhammad Asfandyar and participated in 8 group and individual exhibitions. A total of 60 art pieces comprising on calligraphy and illumination have been displayed at RAC Art Gallery. The artists have used ink, Qalam and water color on paper and canvas which have made them attractive. Hossain Ali Asfandyar has proficiency in Khat-e-Nastaleeq and Khat-e-Shikasta in traditional Irani style. Addressing at the inaugural ceremony, MNA Tahira Aurangzeb said that Pakistan and Iran enjoyed exemplary diplomatic relations and both the countries cooperated with each other. She welcomed Hossain Ali Asfandyar and his daughter Atna Asfandyar on their arrival to Rawalpindi. Raja Hanif Advocate said that it was good opportunity to look unique art work. DG Khana Farhang Iran Ali Aqhanouri said that Pakistan and Iran are tied with cultural relations. Cultural Counselor Embassy of Iran Agha Shahab ud Din Darai said that two countries needed more cooperation for the promotion of art & culture. Naheed Manzoor said that such king of events became a good source for strengthening of cultural relations. Director RAC Waqar Ahmed in his address welcomed the distinguished guests and said the Council always extended relations with Khana Farhang Iran and both the organizations have good relations. The exhibition will be remained open for general public till 10th February 2018.