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On the roof of the sky
I have been intrigued by art from an early age. My first experiment with painting was at the age of two and I have been passionate about painting ever since, says Sharareh.
- By Zenifer Khaleel, Freelance Writer
- Published: 23:22 November 6, 2008
- Image Credit: Grace Paras/ANM
- Sharareh Salehi has an exhibition in Dubai starting November 8 at the 4 Walls Gallery. Sharareh Salehi has an exhibition in Dubai starting November 8 at the 4 Walls Gallery.
Sharareh salehi, Iranian painter, lecturer and poet
"I have been intrigued by art from an early age. My first experiment with painting was at the age of two and I have been passionate about painting ever since."
It was as a teenager that my art grew into a more serious preoccupation as I realised the importance of translating images into a tangible medium. I began to experiment with different techniques like sketching and watercolours.
I love to paint Iranian miniature pictures reflecting traditional Islamic art.
They have detailed impressions and elaborately decorative motifs. Since the year 2000, I have been experimenting with my own style which is a blend of figurative and abstract forms of painting.
Sharareh means 'sparkle' in Arabic.
I think it is a very apt name for me as I have managed to sparkle in the creative world.
I did my MA in art research in Tehran.
I then got the opportunity to be a resident researcher at the Cite Internationale des Arts in Paris. It is a centre for international study that offers a two-year residency programme. All the activities have to be approved by a special committee of professional artists.
My research focused on Islamic art and Iranian manuscripts kept in the national library of Paris.
It was a very good experience because I got to exchange ideas with artists from different countries in our Atelier.
My next stop was Germany.
The Institute of Fine Art (IFA) foundation selects seven artists every year from all over the world. In 2001 I was one of them and I became a resident artist of Schloss Solitude Academy in Stuttgart. I got the opportunity to work as a curator and organise exhibitions and other cultural programmes.
I started teaching soon after completing my education.
For 14 years I taught history of Islamic art and architecture. But I concentrated more on Iranian painting. I have worked with three universities in Tehran. I have also been a researcher in art and architecture at the Grand Islamic Encyclopedia Centre there. I enjoy teaching because the atmosphere of the class allows me to share my experience and viewpoints on what I love most: art!
Artistic interest runs in my family.
My father, Houshang Salehi Lorestani, is a judge by profession and is also a renowned poet. My mother, Fatema Gholamrezaii, has organised many cultural activities such as dance and theatre programmes.
My sister Shohreh is a wellknown actress in Iran. She is also a filmmaker and theatre director.
My brother, Shihab, is a graphic designer and documentary filmmaker. My daughter, Negareh, started writing poetry at the age of 11.
I am a well-known poet in my country too.
My collection of poems has been published in a book called On the Roof of the Sky. I believe poetry, painting or any kind of art for that matter are different forms of expression. What form you choose depends on your morality. I don't think too hard to pen a poem. The poems come to me. I am constantly influenced by my surroundings. Every situation I am in creates a different image in my mind with which to work. I think I have an alternate level of sensitivity to absorb things differently. You could say I have an exceptional perception of my surroundings. This sensitivity is translated into my paintings or poems. I don't start painting with a set idea. I don't decide the theme.
It is something emotional in me that I have to release which in turn takes the form of my art.
As an artist, my life revolves around colour.
I cannot choose a favourite shade as each colour or hue has a different significance. I see colour in everything around me.
The award I valued most is the Best Award from the China Art Expo in Beijing. It was in 1997. It was very unexpected and exciting for me because I was so young. My collection of paintings was chosen from 8,000 other works. This privilege was well covered by Iran's media.
I am a very energetic person.
To only paint wouldn't satisfy me.
I enjoy being involved in society too which is why I get involved in the administration side as well.
I was the secretary of 'Tehran my City' and 'Mirror in Mirror' festivals.
I was also the international affairs director for the First Workshop of Asian Women Artists and the First Painting Biennial of the Islamic World in 1997.
Being involved in the administrative side makes me understand how my art becomes popular. This helps me to develop my creativity and realise my ideas.
I have translated three books.
One of these is a book for children.
It was translated from Italian. The title of the book means 'behind what we see'. The reason I chose that particular book was because the idea of the writer attracted me. It gave deep meaning to various topics in a subtle way. I believe it helped to change the general outlook of children and to encourage them to think beyond the ordinary. The illustrations are also very strong.
I have been a resident of Abu Dhabi for the past 11 months.
The city has something unique to offer for everyone. It has a colourful cosmopolitan culture embedded with deep, Old World charm. I am compiling my ideas surrounding this beautiful land and hope to publish them soon. It may even come out as a book. The name I have chosen for it is Jazireh I koochek be vasate donya. Roughly translated it would mean 'small island with a global appeal'.
The great masters inspire me.
Michelangelo has influenced me a great deal. Of the contemporary artists I like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko.
I have done around 10 solo exhibitions.
These have been in Tehran, Tunis, Paris and Abu Dhabi. My collections have also been part of many group exhibitions in China, Italy, Cyprus and the US. My recent painting exhibition was in Qebab Art Gallery, Abu Dhabi in March this year. My next exhibition will be in the 4 Walls Gallery in Dubai and will commence on November 8.
I have always enjoyed dancing. During childhood, I studied ballet.
I like folkloric dances. I also like Arab music and Indian dances.
My favourite writer is (Paulo) Coelho, whose works have been translated into 58 languages.
For more details visit www.shararehsalehi.com
– As told to Zenifer Khaleel, an Abu Dhabi-based freelancer.
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