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TEHRAN -- An exhibition of paintings by the self-taught Iranian artist Mokarrameh Qanbari was held at the Bowser Museum in California on September 22.
Paintings selected from a private collection were put on display for the first time in the exhibit entitled “The Paintings and Life of Mokarrameh Ghanbari”.
“Mokarrameh, Memories and Dreams”, a documentary by Iranian filmmaker Ebrahim Mokhtari, was screened on the sidelines of the one-day art show.
Qanbari was born in the village of Darikandeh, and despite her great talent, she never received any formal training in painting. She accidentally began painting at the age of 63 when she came across some artist’s paints that her son had left at her home.
She continued her painting using bright, original colors inspired by the beautiful natural surroundings of her region, and within a few years, her works were being recognized by painters in Iran and overseas.
In 2001, Qanbari was awarded an honorary certificate at the Conference of the Foundation of Iranian Women's Studies in Stockholm, and was named the year's exemplary woman.
In addition, she was named the “Female Painter of 2001” by the Swedish National Museum. Iranian filmmaker Ebrahim Mokhtari has made a documentary film about the life and works of the artist entitled “Mokarrameh, Her Memories and Dreams”.
She died at the age of 77 on October 24, 2005 and was buried in the courtyard of her home.
Photo: The self-taught Iranian artist Mokarrameh Qanbari creates a painting on a squash in an undated photo.
SB/YAW
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