Iranian illuminators to hold showcase in Algeria

TEHRAN, Nov. 9 (MNA) -- Algerian officials invited Iranian illuminators Mostafa Aaqamiri and his brother Alireza to hold exhibitions in May 2011 in Algeria.

“Artworks by our family were taken into consideration in the recent festival in Algeria. The Algerian Culture Minister Khalida Toumi praised one of my works and handed a plaque of honor to me,” Mostafa Aqamiri told.

Amirhushang Aqamiri took the first award in illumination and Mostafa Aqamiri the second award at the International Illumination and Miniature Festival of Algiers, which ran from October 16 to 21. The miniaturist Alireza Aqamiri served on the festival’s jury.

“I told her that the best award for me is the friendship between people of Algeria and Iran. She also bought one of my artworks and asked Alireza and me to hold an exhibit in May 2011,” he added.

The number of the artworks to go on display at the proposed Algerian showcase has yet to be decided since its venue has not been specified, he said.

“We will create new artworks for the exhibition. Toumi also asked me to hold courses in illumination in the near future at the art institute affiliated with the culture ministry of Algeria,” he mentioned.

Mostafa Aqamiri has recently received a gold medal from the 4th Sharjah Biennial for the Art of Arabic Calligraphy.

A graduate of handicrafts and Persian art, Aqamiri teaches art at several universities and academies in Tehran and in other cities.