Negar Art Gallery Story
Negar Gallery was established in the winter of 2015 with the aim of supporting young and talented artists in the Qeytarieh neighborhood of Tehran. This gallery gradually explores the history of contemporary Iranian art and examines themes such as identity and nature, providing a space for the exchange of ideas. With its relocation to a new site on Karim Khan Zand Street, Negar Gallery has placed greater emphasis on new media such as video art and performance art. In addition to its artistic activities, the brand is also committed to strengthening the position of women and fostering international collaborations.
As the director of Negar Gallery, my goal is to support young and talented artists so that they can showcase their work and make their voices heard in the art community. I believe that our gallery should be a space for the exchange of ideas and the exploration of contemporary art issues. Additionally, addressing social issues and strengthening the position of women in contemporary art are among our other priorities.
Mitra Timouri, Founder and Director of Negar Gallery
Negar Gallery was established in the winter of 2015 in the Qeytarieh neighborhood of Tehran, under the management of Ms. Mitra Timouri. The aim of establishing this gallery was to accompany artists, especially to bring young, talented, and creative artists who are on the margins into the spotlight, and to work towards understanding and raising awareness of contemporary art issues. Additionally, Negar Gallery has sought to revisit this relatively century-old history by organizing periodic exhibitions titled “Khabarnegaar,” showcasing the works of pioneers of modern Iranian art, and exploring the central issues of contemporary Iranian art, such as identity, nature, and landscapes of Iran. Engaging with sacred texts and script, alongside miniature painting, which has been one of the prominent manifestations of contemporary Iranian art, has also remained a focus of Negar Gallery over the years. A return to the figure and a contemplation of embodiment and gender, particularly the representation of women, are other significant aspects of Negar Gallery’s activities in recent years.
In 2019, the gallery moved to its new location, the Center for the Scene of Art in Tehran, on Karim Khan Zand Street. In its new space, Negar has increasingly focused on media such as video art, performance art, and installation art, in light of contemporary art trends in the world and Iran. This gallery has emphasized the creation and expansion of platforms for Iranian audiences to engage with contemporary art. Establishing a market for this art, particularly in areas such as video art, is one of the latest achievements of this collection.
Over the years, Negar Gallery has curated exhibitions, especially periodic exhibitions such as “Bengar,” “Montakhab,” and “Mahvshodi,” striving to create new experiences for its audience alongside solo exhibitions. The goals of these exhibitions can perhaps be summarized in three aspects:
- Providing a platform for showcasing a synthesis of the traditional heritage and contemporary art of Iran;
- Addressing fundamental issues in the history of art, such as perception and the act of looking;
- Creating a space for artists to respond to contemporary global issues such as identity, nationality, tradition, gender, and the experiences of marginalized and minority communities.
Social Activities
In recent years, in addition to its artistic role, Negar Gallery has not overlooked its social responsibility by collaborating with cultural and environmental organizations and engaging in charitable activities through art. Furthermore, throughout its operation, Negar Gallery has had the honor of creating platforms with a visionary perspective to strengthen the role of women in the history of contemporary Iranian art.
International Activities
Negar Gallery has successfully introduced several of its artists to international audiences, including cultural representatives from embassies, to enhance intercultural collaborations. The aim of these activities, in addition to supporting and guiding young and talented Iranian artists in accessing international spaces, has been to familiarize the world with the lesser-seen aspects of contemporary Iranian art. Finally, it is worth mentioning that Negar Gallery intends to expand its international activities in the future by participating in art fairs and biennials worldwide.
Negar Art Gallery Team
Mitra Timouri, Gallery Director
Sajjad Baghban, Art Consultant
Haideh Asrpouran, Internal Manager
Mahdi Mahmoudi, Sales Manager
