Several scholars, including author and historian Mohammad-Ebrahim Bastani Parizi, actor Ezzatollah Entezami, and calligrapher Gholmahossein Amirkhani spoke during the ceremony.
Bastani Parizi talked about the art of cinema and the appearance of the camera and said, “When the camera entered people’s lives, many thought it would put an end to the art of painting, but quickly we found out that we were wrong, as painting found a new life with the help of the camera and film.”
He added, “Painting is a phenomenon that is closely related to history and even helps in the process of documenting history. So what Guya Publications did in printing such a book was actually to document the art of Farshchian in history. Today, many masterpieces by great artists such as Kamalolmolk are not available and probably are missing since they were not documented.”
Afterwards, a music video featuring the life of Farshchian was screened. Next, actor Entezami made a short speech and said, “I still remember the time when I met Farshchian and his work. He was holding his magnifying glass correcting his work and explained the designs and details for me. I was not only surprised but also was in tears. I took the book he gave to me inscribed with his own signature and appreciate it like a precious gem.
Master of calligraphy Amirkhani continued, “The great scholars of our country are too numerous and one does not know which one to talk about.
“The lifetime efforts by Farshchian need to be honored. We must remember it is not easy for an artist to maintain his position over time, achieving both high status and success in his lifetime. But Farshchian was able to accomplish this.
In addition, expert on Rumi’s Masnavi Mohammad Estelami made a short speech and said, “Farshchian has observed the eternity through his colors and paintings. He has seen uncharted parts of the world and his works are like a fantasy.
“Farshchian’s pen is magic. Not everyone can do what he does. Truth and imagination move together in his work. He has brought the origin of Persian painting into the modern world and has revived this art,” he explained.
Afterwards, another music video on the master was screened.
“I have always created my best work in the worst of situations. The point here is that the artist must be able to convey his feelings to viewers,” said Farshchian in one part of the music video.
“I am happy this book has been published in the best way possible by Guya Publications. I believe my fifth book confirms my love of and interest in Iran, and it is a gift that I donate to all my fellow citizens with all my love,” he continues.
Several figures involved in preparing and publishing the book were also honored at the end of the ceremony.
Farshchian is currently working on a painting tableau of “Abolfazl Abbas (AS)” on the occasion of the arrival of the month of Muharram.
Hazrat Abolfazl Abbas was the brother of Imam Hussein (AS) the third imam of the Shias. Abolfazl Abbas (AS) was martyred along with several companions of Imam Hussein (AS) on the day of Ashura on the tenth of Muharram.
Farshchian has also created two other works entitled “Evening of Ashura” and “Ali-Asghar” with the central theme of Ashura.
He is also planning to paint some new works on the theme of the Sacred Defense (Iran-Iraq 1980-1988 war).
He had once said, “I recently listened to the lullabies recited by mothers of martyrs from the Khuzestan region which I enjoyed very much. These pure concepts must be conveyed to the next generation so they become familiar with the depth of culture that these devoted people from our country possess,” he added.
Over 50 miniature paintings by Farshchian are currently on display in an exhibition underway at the National Library of Belarus and will continue for three weeks.
RM/YAW
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MNA