TEHRAN — Iranian art was the main focus of the 10th edition of Contemporary Istanbul (CI), Turkey’s leading international art fair.

Works selected by Tehran galleries Assar, Shirin, Dastan’s Basement, and Aaran and Lajevardi Foundation were showcased with works from over 100 galleries from around the world at the Istanbul Congress Centre (ICC) and Istanbul Convention and Exhibition Centre (ICEC) from November 12 to 15.

Works by emerging and established Iranian artists such as Nasser Bakhshi, Babak Roshaninejad, Ali-Akbar Sadeqi and Hooman Mortazavi were shown in the CI Focus.

“Visitors were highly impressed with works by Iranian artists, since a wide range of works along with a comprehensive catalogue introducing the galleries and artists were available at the show,” Assar gallery owner Maryam Majd said in a press release published on Friday.

She said that the galleries aimed to make foreign visitors familiar with Iranian contemporary art, adding, “We need to open doors to international visitors if we want to promote the art market.”

“We used to go to other countries to present our art, however, it is time to provide the opportunity for art dealers, private gallery owners and prominent artists to display their artworks in the country,” she proposed.

More than 84,000 foreign collectors, art professionals, academicians, museum groups and art lovers from all over the world visited the show this year.

Photo: A painting by Ali-Akbar Sadeqi, whose works were showcased at Contemporary Istanbul

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