The Position of Contemporary Fiber Art in Iran and the World

The first panel brought together Hormoz Hamtian, Shahed Saffari, and Ashkan Zahraei for a discussion on the position of contemporary fiber art in Iran and internationally, its relationship with the global art market, and the role of commercial and cultural institutions in supporting and promoting the medium. Drawing on their professional experiences, the speakers explored both the opportunities and the challenges facing fiber art today, emphasizing the importance of stronger connections between artists, curators, galleries, and cultural organizations to expand its presence on the international stage.

The program continued with a short presentation by Ashkan Zahraei, inspired by Larry Shiner's The Invention of Art, examining the historical transformation of artistic media and the evolving relationship between art and craft. Focusing on the renewed recognition of textile-based practices within contemporary art and museum collections, the presentation set the stage for the second panel featuring Afsaneh Modiramani, Shirin Mellat Gahar, and Akram Tavana.

Their conversation centered on the expressive potential of fiber art in the contemporary era, highlighting narrative, meaning, and lived experience through textile and thread, while offering diverse perspectives on the evolving language of this medium.