'Iran Today' by Elham Moadina

For the first time in Dubai, Iranian artist Elham Moaidnia will be exhibiting her latest collection entitled Iran Today, a stunning collection of paintings that offers a fresh and retrospective look at the plight of women within the Iranian culture.

The ‘Iran Today’ exhibition will be held at the Showcase Art Gallery on Jumeirah Beach Road from today till July 15. Sharon Harvey, owner of the Showcase Art Gallery said, “This is Elham’s first exhibition in Dubai and we are honoured to have the opportunity of displaying her work and bringing Dubai art lovers a phenomenal talent.

This exhibition is truly special and a ‘must-see’ for anyone with an interest in art.” Elham Moaidnia says she started scribbling with a pencil and paper from the age of nine. She was fascinated by drawing the real world around her, and soon developed a deep love for art, which has not left her and has grown by the day.

She began her work by copying the classics, graphic work, and national and traditional motifs. She was born in Esfahan, the cradle of art and culture in post-Islamic times.

Gradually Iranian motifs faded away from her works and they were replaced with expressionism, and today she considers her work post-expressionist.

Among the masters she is most inspired by Marc Chagall.

The principal essence and message of Elham’s works is a social commentary. She is inspired by man’s struggle in today’s world and the fate of women in Iran. The essence of her work is descriptive, where she narrates the events or realities she observes. In proportion to the strength or placidity of her emotion versus the subject of work, her sentimental passion is also an influence, and shows itself on the canvas.

Colours play the central role in reflecting her message, along with the lines and curves.

She uses various media: water colour, oil painting, gouache, dilapidated paper from old books and newspapers and calligraphy, and even ceramic and wood at times. The second feature of Elham’s work is offering a positive message for activity. Hence, her work is not merely narrative describing a tragic reality, rather at times, offers small windows of hope and light.

Elham says: “I am an optimist and I am hopeful. I know that eventually someone will come, someone who is like no one, someone who pulls out his knife solely for cutting bread and dividing it between the needy!” This optimism, accompanied with passion and enthusiasm for the plight of the modern woman is what drives Elham. She asserts herself and her work with strength and a high profile.

Elham is still at the beginning of her career. Art has a very difficult and uneven path, full of ups and downs; yet Elham is very hardworking, industrious and serious and does not easily give up on her beliefs and work.