Iranian Women in Art: A Journey Through Tradition, Creativity, and Innovation.
The Iranian Cultural Institute in Rome, in prestigious collaboration with SSML San Domenico, is proud to present a cultural event of extraordinary importance: the conference “Iranian Women in Art”, an unmissable event that celebrates the talent, creativity, and fundamental contribution of women to the millennia-old Persian artistic tradition.
Practical information
The event will be held Monday 13 October 2025, from the 16:00 18:00, to allow a wider audience to take part in this important moment of cultural exchange.
The location chosen is the suggestive one St. Thomas Hall at the SSML San Domenico, located in Via Casilina 233, Rome, a space perfectly suited to hosting cultural and artistic events, offering an intimate and welcoming atmosphere to foster dialogue and reflection.
A Bridge Between Two Millennial Cultures
This conference represents much more than a simple academic meeting: it is a true cultural bridge between Italy and Iran, two nations that share a profound passion for art, beauty, and culture. The event aims to introduce the Italian public to the exceptional contribution of Iranian women to the artistic landscape, an often little-known yet extraordinarily rich and complex aspect.
Iran boasts an artistic tradition rooted in millennia of history, from Persian miniature painting to calligraphy, poetry to music, architecture to contemporary visual arts. In this rich cultural heritage, women have always played a significant role, often working behind the scenes but leaving behind priceless works. Today, contemporary Iranian women artists continue this tradition, pushing it to new expressive frontiers and engaging with the international art scene.
A Multisensory Experience
What makes this event particularly special is the multisensory approach that will characterize the entire conference. The speakers' presentations will be accompanied by the notes of traditional Persian music, performed live by skilled hands of professional musiciansThis choice is not accidental: Persian music, with its evocative melodies and complex rhythms, is itself an art form in which Iranian women have excelled over the centuries.
The audience will thus have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the Iranian cultural atmosphere, enjoying an experience that engages not only the intellect but also the emotions and senses. Traditional melodies will provide the perfect backdrop for reflections on art, creating a harmonious dialogue between word, image, and sound.
The Protagonist Voices of the Event
The conference will feature leading figures from the Iranian artistic and cultural scene, each bringing a unique perspective and valuable experience:
Hanieh Qasabian – Animator and painter, she represents the new generation of Iranian artists who combine traditional techniques with contemporary languages. Her work in animation and painting demonstrates the versatility and capacity for innovation of Persian artists.
Sonia Dehghan A talented pianist, she will bring her musical contribution to the event, demonstrating how music can be a universal language capable of transcending all cultural barriers. Her presence underscores the importance of music as a feminine art form in contemporary Iran.
Professor Mina Mohammadi – Professor of Contemporary Art Studies at the prestigious Al-Zahra University in Tehran, one of Iran's leading academic institutions dedicated to women's education. Professor Mohammadi will bring an academic and theoretical perspective on the role of women in Iranian contemporary art, offering an in-depth analysis of current trends and the challenges facing female artists in the Iranian and international cultural context.
Nasim Porkar – An experienced curator, whose professional perspective has helped enhance and promote the work of numerous Iranian women artists. Her presentation will offer a privileged view of the world of art exhibitions and shows, highlighting curatorial strategies that allow female talent to be showcased.
Tooka Maleki – Curator and artist, she embodies the dual nature of creating art while simultaneously promoting and showcasing it. Her personal experience as an artist and her curatorial work offer a comprehensive and multifaceted perspective on the world of Iranian art by women.
Dr. Somayeh Ramezan Mahi – A Research Fellow in Visual Arts at Sourè University, she contributes cutting-edge academic research to the field of visual arts. Her research contributes to documenting, preserving, and analyzing Iran's female artistic heritage, ensuring its transmission to future generations.
Conference Themes and Contents
During the event, several highly relevant topics will be addressed:
- The Persian artistic tradition in feminine terms: a historical excursus on the contribution of women to Persian art across the centuries, from court miniaturists to poets, from musicians to calligraphers.
- Iranian contemporary art and its protagonists: an analysis of current trends in Iranian art and the increasingly important role that women are assuming in the national and international art scene.
- The dialogue between tradition and innovation: how contemporary Iranian women artists manage to keep Persian cultural traditions alive while embracing modern and innovative expressive languages.
- Music as a universal language: the importance of traditional Persian music and the contribution of female musicians to the preservation and evolution of this intangible heritage.
- The challenges and opportunities: a reflection on the challenges facing Iranian women artists today and the opportunities offered by the growing international interest in Middle Eastern art.
An Opportunity for Intercultural Dialogue
In an age when dialogue between different cultures is more important than ever, events like this represent a precious opportunity to overcome stereotypes and prejudices, to truly get to know others through the most beautiful things they produce: their art, their culture, their creativity.
The conference “Iranian Women in Art” is not only a learning experience, but also an opportunity to build bridges of mutual understanding between the Italian and Iranian peoples, two nations that share a deep love for beauty, art, and culture.
The audience will have the opportunity to ask the speakers questions, interact with them, and delve deeper into topics of particular interest, making the event a true moment of exchange and mutual enrichment.
An Open Invitation to All
The event is open to the public and admission is free. Students, art enthusiasts, researchers, cultural workers, and anyone who wishes to learn more about the richness of Persian culture and the extraordinary contribution of Iranian women to the world of art are invited to attend.
No prior knowledge of Iranian art is necessary: the speakers will guide the audience through this fascinating journey, making it accessible and engaging for all levels of experience.
Conclusions
The conference "Iranian Women in Art" represents a unique event in Rome's cultural landscape, a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in Persian culture through the voices and works of its female protagonists. An afternoon dedicated to beauty, creativity, and intercultural dialogue, enriched by the evocative melodies of traditional Persian music.
We look forward to seeing you on Monday, October 13th, at the Sala San Tommaso to share this extraordinary cultural experience. Whether you're a scholar, an artist, a simply curious person, or a lover of different cultures, you're sure to find food for thought and moments of authentic beauty.
