Translated by Behrad Sharifi
– Please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your biography.
– My name is Samaneh Ahmadi, I was born in 1986 and graduated from Art and Architecture college of Azad University. My first group exhibition was in 2009 in Golestan Gallery and my first solo exhibition was in 2011 in the same gallery.
– So before 2009 you had no exhibition and that was the first time you exhibited your works, why then?
– In fact, it was because of my teacher Mr.Joday and I would like to thank him here. In 2008 I sent my works for Afarinesh festival and I was not anticipating to be accepted but it did and also won, this became a motivation to show my work to Ms. Golestan and she also kindly accept them, and next year they were exhibited in ‘hundred artwork, hundred artist’ exhibition. In 2011 I had a solo exhibition in the same gallery and from that year on I have participated in all of ‘hundred artwork, hundred artist’ exhibitions except one. I was also planning for another solo exhibition, which was canceled due to personal issues. Also I was suppose to have an exhibition in December that canceled too, but the main reason for its cancelation was that I was sending my works for Nord Art. Beside Golestan Gallery from 2009 I have participated in different group exhibitions and festivals.
– So how did you hear about Biafarin?
– Last year some of my friends shared entry call for Haft Negah (seven vision) on web, in fact it was for the first time that someone out of usual seven galleries were able to introduce artists, in a sense maybe it was eighth vision. Previous year I participated in Haft Negah through Golestan Gallery but that year I decided to go through them. Before that I had no knowledge of Biafarin and its activities.
– Why it didn’t continue?
– I don’t know exactly, later Ms. Golestan told me that this opportunity was given to Biafarin only for one year. As I mentioned before I had no prior knowledge about Biafarin. To be honest that year when I was participating in Haft Negah I was not thinking my collaboration with them would continue, until I had a conversation with Mr.Reza Aiati and he kindly gave me a detailed description about Biafarin and its activities. I submitted my resume and artworks and become a basic member. Now Biafarin is sending me all domestic and international entry calls as it do for all the members.
– Did you participate in Nord Art because of Biafarin’s emails? What is Nord Art and what happened there?
– Yes, I had heard about Nord Art from my classmates, and then I decided to participate in this festival when I recived a mail from Biafarin. Nord Art is one of the oldest and most prestigious European festivals that held every year. Mr.Aiati told me that all three of my work has been accepted and after a while they called me to say they all have been sold. Nord Art 2016 had about 4,400 participants from 109 countries out of which 250 artists from 50 countries were selected; there were two artist from Iran, me and MRS. Samira Alborzkoh.
– What is you main issue with our visual atmosphere and what is missing for you?
– If you mean in Iran, I think there are some weaknesses.
– What do you mean by weakness?
– Unfortunately, in recent years many young artists in Iran are trying to produce works that are only good for sales due to financial problems and I think it’s a big weakness and can have serious damage for Iran’s visual art. There should be research why is this happening? Those who have a personal view in their work also don’t have much luck in selling their work. Most galleries are also dealing masterpieces and try to work on artworks of masters and classics. Of course, it may happen due to various reasons, including poor economic conditions in Iran, which obviously is not without effect on collectors and art lovers. At best, unfortunately, most of galleries limit themselves in supporting only a few young artists. The motivation for the creation of unique and innovative artwork is taken from young artists or at least limited to certain individuals. I think much of this is due to lack of support. In the best scenario when a gallery gives an artist opportunity to be seen, most people think selling is not a priority for the artist. But in reality a young artist same as everyone else also has financial need, especially with all the energy and time he or she is spends on creating artwork.
Every year many galleries start up without growing trend in the art economy and to the benefit of artists.
– What about Nord Art? Did you win a prize and they bought your work?
– I didn’t won a prize, I was chosen and later my works were sold in the exhibition.
– Did you sell only those three works?
– No, a couple from Denmark saw my works in Nord Art exhibition in Germany, when they found out my work were sold, they contacted me through Biafarin and asked whether I have any other work for sell. I offered them three works close to those in festival and after about one month negotiation they bought two of them.
– So are you satisfied?
– Yes, This festival was a good experience and had financial gain too. Because this past two year despite of having various exhibitions I didn’t have much sell and it’s annoying.
– Do you believe through online development and international curating we can revive and grow our art market?
– Yes, hundred percent.
– Do you have shown this works elsewhere and talked about them?
– At that time Honar online news agency published news that two Iranian artists were accepted in Nord Art, and they also published photo of my works. After that Tandis magazine also devoted a paragraph to this topic.
– Very well, at the end of this interview we will also display your works for our readers, good luck to you.
– Thank you.
