TEHRAN-The visual arts section of the 21st edition of Imam Reza (AS) International Festival will focus on innovation and creation; the organizers have announced.

During a press conference held in Tehran on Monday, Masoud Nejabati, the secretary of the festival's graphic section, highlighted that the call for submissions was specifically tailored to maintain the festival's spirit of innovation, as art thrives on constant renewal.

Nejabati emphasized the importance for participants to uphold the festival's subject matter while avoiding repetition. 

The chosen theme for the graphic section is "Tabari," reflecting an act of self-purification and underscoring the political aspect of Imam Reza and the divine messengers, he noted. 

He further explained, "We have based our festival's work on this theme, encompassing five core branches in the graphic design section: combating internal and external taboos, moral abnormalities, economic corruption, and the fight against discrimination and differences.” 

“Furthermore, an esteemed grand prize will be awarded to outstanding works that explore the theme of Palestine. This special recognition aims to shed light on the significance of the Palestinian cause within the realm of graphic design,” he stated. 

In another remark, Mohammad Khorasanizadeh, the Director-General of Visual Arts Office at the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, emphasized the importance of recognizing the role of private visual arts organizations. 

“These organizations have successfully honed artists' skills within a relatively short span of time, producing exceptional talents.”

"We have witnessed the emergence of extraordinary artists through these organizations. When art is imbued with a noble subject and instilled with the best qualities of mankind, it transcends mere technicality," he explained.

Elaborating further, Khorasanizadeh revealed that the selected works of the festival will be showcased at the prestigious Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art this year. 

The museum's distinguished platform will provide a fitting venue to exhibit the artistic achievements and creative expressions of the festival participants, he mentioned. 

Turning the spotlight to the photography section of the festival, Rasoul Oliazadeh, the secretary of this segment, announced that there will be captivating photography workshops held in conjunction with the festival. 

These workshops aim to acquaint artists with the festival's subject matter and inspire them to capture and submit their works based on the valuable teachings imparted during the sessions, he added. 

In a similar vein, Mehdi Babai, the secretary of the calligraphy section of the event, stressed the importance of utilizing the capabilities of talented individuals, while also emphasizing the need for continued growth and development of the event in the future.

"We have made a conscientious effort to engage eminent judges and professors in the selection process, thereby enhancing the value and rigor of our call for submissions. Our aim was to encourage artists to break away from repetitive forms and explore fresh dimensions in content and format," Babai remarked.

Furthermore, it was revealed that the closing ceremony of the event will pay tribute to the exceptional contributions of eight female calligraphers. 

This act of recognition acknowledges their significant achievements and underscores the significance of gender inclusivity in the realm of calligraphy, he mentioned. 

The visual arts section of the 21st edition of Imam Reza (AS) International Festival will be held in graphic design, photography, and calligraphy sections. 

The Imam Reza (AS) International Festival is held annually in various provinces of the country as well as in several other countries.

This festival encompasses various fields such as articles, plays or screenplays, produced shows, stories, visual arts, books, literary texts, poetry, press and digital works, and radio and television productions.

The festival will come to an end in Mashhad on May 19, 2024 that marks the birthday of Imam Reza (AS).

SAB/