TEHRAN – A ceremony to commemorate the French Muslim artist Ivan Othenin Girard (1932-2012) will open today at Tehran’s Barg Art Gallery.

Organized by Tehran Municipality’s Beautification Organization in collaboration with Tandis Art Gallery, tar virtuoso Dariush Talai and painter Iraj Eskandari are expected to speak at the ceremony, the gallery announced in a press release.

Born in France, Ivan Othenin Girard traveled to Iran in 1962 and stayed for 20 years. He met prominent artists of his time such as Sohrab Sepehri, Bijan Jalali and Sadeq Barirani and began to teach at the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Tehran.

Years later, he found an interest in Persian culture and civilization, especially the Sufi tradition, and converted to Islam. 

He was also interested in Iranian traditional music and knew some veteran musicians. In 1982 he returned to France with his Iranian wife and continued his artistic activities in his country.

He also traveled to Iran several times to visit his family, friends and students. 

An exhibition of paintings and photos by the master will be on display until August 25 at the gallery located at No.13 Jamali St., off Vafamanesh Ave., in Heravi Square.

Photo: Grandmother Le Locle (1950-1951)

RM/YAW