Siyah Qalam Award

2025

10 October - 4 November 2025

Azad Gallery believes that generation after generation, young artists and researchers have strived to find new paths to advance the culture and art of their homeland.

This effort has resulted in diverse proposals from each successive generation. It is crucial that these efforts are acknowledged, subjected to discussion and critique, and that their essential characteristics are formally documented. Through an organic connection and the continuation of inter-generational dialogue, Azad Gallery has identified a trend where a broad range of young artists are simultaneously engaged in exploring the traditions of Iranian painting and uncovering its contemporary potential. This movement, which has emerged over the past decade, has made us increasingly certain of its existence. Consequently, in the year 2022, we decided to respond to it by organising a small, focused festival.

This event allows us to identify a greater number of artists who employ this approach. It also enables us to show our respect and appreciation for their work. Another function of this event is to empower this group of artists by facilitating acquaintance, discussion, cooperation, and networking among individuals with similar artistic approaches who may otherwise be unaware of each other. Furthermore, we aim to encourage the broader artistic community—including artists from other fields and critics—to take the proposals of this group of artists more seriously.

The first edition of this event was acceptably successful despite all limitations and shortcomings. It appears that in this short time, this particular approach—the study of Iranian painting’s capacities and its use in contemporary expression—is on its way to being formally recognised as a contemporary Iranian artistic movement. A number of participants have established professional ties with one another, and some critics are closely following this development, anticipating its future. Our goal in continuing this biennial remains the protection of its creative and innovative aspects, alongside fostering its deeper connection with the contemporary world. Through this call, we seek to identify more young artists and provide a secure environment, free from commercial competition, for the presentation and critique of their works.

Mona Shahsavar

Sunrise, 2022

Oil on canvas

60 x 100 cm

Neda Sadeghnia

Untitled, 2023

Oil on Canvas

120 X 100 cm

Ghaazaleh Abdolahzadeh

Untitled, 2024

Oil on canvas

140 X 110 cm