23rd Tehran Auction Shatters Expectations with $2.2 Million in Sales!
On Thursday, the 23rd Tehran Auction, showcasing “Modern and Contemporary Iranian Art,” took place at the Parsian Azadi Hotel in Tehran, generating an impressive 1.75 trillion rials (approximately $2.2 million). This event has become a significant highlight in the Iranian art scene, attracting collectors, buyers, and media representatives alike.
The auction featured a remarkable collection of 100 works by 97 talented artists, encompassing a variety of mediums such as paintings, calligraphic art, sculptures, and photographs. Shahryar Rabbani served as the auctioneer, guiding the proceedings with expertise, as reported by ISNA.
One of the standout aspects of the 23rd Tehran Auction was its focus on contemporary Iranian art, shifting away from previous editions that emphasized well-known figures like Sohrab Sepehri and Bahman Mohasses. This time, younger and emerging artists garnered significant attention and appreciation from collectors.
Among the notable sales, the auction crowned its highest sale with the painting “Andam” (Body) by Hossein Zenderoudi, which fetched an astonishing 143 billion rials (approximately $178,750). This was followed closely by an untitled piece from Masoud Arabshahi, which sold for 116.6 billion rials (around $145,750), marking it as the second-highest sale of the evening.
The third place was secured by Sahand Hesamian’s sculpture “The Hidden Side”, which sold for 101.2 billion rials (about $126,500). Additional notable works included:
- “Mirror Ball” by Monir Farmanfarmaian, which sold for 792 billion rials (approximately $99,000).
- An untitled work by Kourosh Shishegaran, fetching 748 billion rials (around $935,000), ranking fourth.
The auction also showcased pieces from a plethora of esteemed artists, including:
- Alireza Astaneh
- Aydin Aghdashloo
- Mohammad Ehsai
- Shirin Ettehadieh
- Farah Abolghassem
- Nasrollah Afjehei
- Nasser Ovissi
- Sadegh Tabrizi
- Parviz Tanavoli
- Ane-Mohammad Tatari
- Kazem Chalipa
- Kambiz Derambakhsh
- Hassan Rouholamin
- Mahmoud Zenderoudi
- Ahmadreza Ahmadi
- Gizella Varga Sinai
- Jalal Shabahangi
- Masoud Arabshahi
- Mansour Ghandriz
- Parviz Kalantari
- Reza Kianian
- Sirak Melkonian
- Manouchehr Niazi
- Manouchehr Yektai
- Arman Yaghoubpour
Prior to the auction, the works were displayed at the Parsian Azadi Hotel on May 20 and 21, providing an opportunity for art enthusiasts to appreciate the pieces firsthand.
Launched in 2012, the Tehran Auction is a pioneering initiative in Iran, designed to introduce exceptional Iranian art to a broader audience, including both established and emerging artists, as well as art collectors worldwide. This auction plays a crucial role in addressing the growing interest in modern and contemporary Iranian art, while also facilitating the acquisition of high-quality works in a trustworthy manner.
The 23rd Tehran Auction not only serves as a platform for showcasing artistic talent but also represents a vibrant community of art lovers who come together to celebrate and invest in Iranian culture and creativity.
In conclusion, the recent auction not only highlighted the outstanding achievements of contemporary Iranian artists but also set the stage for future events that promise to continue elevating the profile of Iranian art on a global scale.
Photo: The highest-grossing works of the auction, from left: “Andam” (Body) by Hossein Zenderoudi, Masoud Arabshahi’s untitled piece, and “The Hidden Side” by Sahand Hesamian.
