“Sorcerous dance of fire and fabric is being exhibited”

The opening ceremony of “Azarnegari” Exhibition, in which there are 4 statues, 21 tables, so totally 25 works of Iranian artist Ahad Saadi, who produces works in the style discovered by him with bringing together fire and fabric, was held in IU Rectorate on 17 May 2016. IU Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmut Ak, Islamic Republic of Iran Consul General in Istanbul Mohsen Mortezaifar, faculty members, students and guests joined the ceremony.

The main theme of the exhibition in which “Azarnegari” technic, a new current in art and a first in the World, was used is love and affection.

Before the exhibition, Islamic Republic of Iran Consul General in Istanbul Mohsen Mortezaifer visited IU Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmut Ak in his office. During the visiting, IU Vice Chancellors Prof. Dr. Recep Güloğlu, Prof. Dr. Halis Yunus Ersöz, Prof. Dr. Bayram Mert Savrun, IU Secretary General Metin Küçük, IU Assistant to Rector and IU Press and Public Relations Director Prof. Dr. Ergün Yolcu and IU International Academic Relations Chairperson Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yeşim Özer attended also.

After the visiting, Islamıc Republic of Iran Consul General in Istanbul Mohsen Mortezaifer got information about IU Rectorate Historical Building by visiting Mavi (Blue), Kılıçlık, and Doktora (Doctorate) halls in company with IU Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmut Ak.

“Everything in my works is my patterns”

Ahad Saadi, making the opening speech of “Azarnegari” Exhibition said: “It is really nice to exhibit my works hosted by Istanbul University. I love universities so much. Since people improve themselves in there. If students are not educated under pressure and ideology, universities become better places. The other reason why I love Istanbul University so much is the historical building that the works are exhibited. It reflects their culture so perfectly.”

Saadi, who says that he had opened 6 personal exhibitions in Istanbul, said that he would continue to open exhibitions in Turkey’s various places in 2017. Saadi stated: “There are my miniature, ornamentation and calligraphy works in the exhibition. Everything in my works is my own drawings and my own patterns, I work originally but I never let me be in a frame. Therefore, I don’t want to seem just as making ornamentations and calligraphy and limit myself just an art.”

Saadi said “My motto which is the beautiful saying of Mevlana, ‘Let’s not sow anything but love and affection in this sacred land’ is reflected on all of my paintings”.

“The exhibition contributes to the relationship between the two counties”

Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Istanbul, Mohsen Mortezaifar stated in his speech, “During the previous exhibition of Ahad Saadi, our Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmut Ak promised us that the next exhibition would be in Istanbul University. I appreciate him for sticking to his word. I am here because I attach a great importance to science and art. These big activities will contribute to the relationship between the two countries. And it is an honor for us that our academicians are also here. This exhibition will not be the first or the last. These kind of exhibitions will continue to contribute to the development of the relationship of the two countries.”.

“We are happy to host these artworks”

IU Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmut Ak stated that he is very happy to host such an important activity and said “We thank Ahad Saadi who prepared this meeting. When we saw this incredible exhibition, we thought that it should be opened in our university. We are here to see the strongest cultural monuments and artworks. We are very happy to host this exhibition in which some precious artworks are exhibited.

After the opening speeches, Ahad Saadi presented to the IU Rectorate the artwork that is inspired by Mevlana’s poem which basically says “Let’s not sow anything but love and affection in this sacred land”. Ahad Saadi, presented the certificate of the artwork to Prof. Dr. Mahmut Ak. Afterwards, the opening ribbon is cut. The exhibition is visited with the company of Ahad Saadi.

“Azarnegari” Exhibition can be visited between 17th and 24th May 2016.

About the “Azarnegari” technique

“Azarnegari” as a word means to draw with fire. Pen or any other kind of coloring tools are not used in the works done with this technique. All the colors in the works are created through burning tiny fabrics placed on each other and gluing them. The image of depth is created through the placement of fabrics. Sometimes there are 20 layers of fabric on a single work and it takes 3 to 4 months to finish a work.

Translated by: İrem Yaşar- Eda Aydemir

IU Department of Press and Public Relations