Tehran gallery hosts Manuchehr Niazi, inspired by Western classical music

TEHRAN –(Iranart)- Veteran artist Manuchehr Niazi who follows his own specific technique to create artworks has said that Western classical music has provided inspiration for his collections created over the past six decades.

“Classical music gives me many ideas to draw,” Niazi told the Persian service of ISNA on Friday during the inauguration of his exhibition at Tehran’s Boom Gallery as a record played a Bach symphony.

“I was a singer and used to perform opera so music has a great influence over me; when I listen to Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 it gives me the forms and I begin to draw,” he added.

“Schubert has also been a source of inspiration for me,” he noted.

Niazi has his own specific technique to create his collections of paintings and collages. “Niazi’s technique will never be revealed, because each one of his works is typically an incident,” veteran calligraphic painter Nasrollah Afjei once said about the 82-year-old Niazi.

“I do not rely on certain style or technique, and I have a definite feeling every day,” Niazi said.

“We cannot continue living without creating art,” he noted and added, “Everything is art, even a baker who shapes the dough is an artist. A real artist should care about form.”

Niazi, who has lived for several years in the United States, said, “I have never forgotten my native culture since I have been in America… Luckily, I’m not a materialistic person and love people.”

“One day, I was collecting pieces of tree bark. A couple passing by there asked, ‘What are you doing’, what could I say? Collage? They did not know what it is. So I told them ‘I want to make tea!’ the man told his wife, ‘He is crazy!’ later, I made one of my masterworks with the pieces of tree bark.”

Niazi’s artworks will be on view until March 8 at the gallery located at 11 Armaghan Alley, Vali-e Asr Ave near Niayesh Highway.

source: Tehran Times