TEHRAN – The 8th Fajr International Festival of Visual Arts opened on Friday with a special section for Mexican art.

The opening ceremony of the festival was attended by Mexican Ambassador Ulises Canchola Gutierrez, Deputy Culture Minister for Artistic Affairs Ali Moradkhani, secretary of the festival Mojtaba Aqai and a large number of artists.

Speaking in Persian at the ceremony, Canchola Gutierrez said that the embassy screened a selection of Mexican films last year at the festival, and has continued to cooperate this year with showcasing a variety of Mexican artworks.

The artworks include sculptures by Gabriella Rodriguez, printmaking and engravings by José Guadalupe Posada (1852–1913), and photos by Mexican photographer Tina Modotti (1896-1942).

Moreover, the visual arts of Mexico as well as its murals are also introduced at the exhibit.

“This edition of the festival is seeking a new atmosphere in art based on traditional art of the country, and has helped improve the visual art of the country as well,” Aqai said at the opening ceremony of the festival.

In his short speech Moradkhani also said that the good participation of the artists, especially the veterans, indicates that the festival has been able to move forward.

He added that the public sector has made its best efforts to support the private sectors, which help in the promotion of art like the Fajr International Festival of Visual Arts.

In addition, Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art Director Majid Mollanoruzi said that part of the works of the festival will also be exhibited in Italy.

Works by over 200 Iranian and foreign artists coming from different countries including Tunisia, Pakistan, Turkey, Italy, Cuba and Kyrgyzstan are competing this year at the festival.

Photo: A man visits the 8th Fajr International Festival of Visual Arts at the Saba Art and Cultural Institute on January 29, 2016. (Mehr/Khosro Parkhideh)

RM/YAW
END