Iranian Contemporary Art Biennale opens in London 23 May

Dedicated to championing Iranian artists across the world, WITH MY ROOTS brings together an international community of emerging and established artists whose work speaks about identity, displacement, memory and cultural continuity.

The biennale showcases a broad spectrum of contemporary practices, including painting, photography, digital art, installation and video. As well as Iran, the exhibition presents the work of Iranian artists from the UK and seventeen countries across Europe, North America and the Middle East.

Marina Panahi, Founder & Director, Capital Art London says: “WITH MY ROOTS  is an opportunity for British and global arts audiences to move outside the language of politics and conflict, and hear the voices of Iranian artists worldwide; discover more about the country’s artistic heritage, culture, visual language and legacy.”

At the centre of this year’s programme is Eternal Iran, a special curatorial section exploring the country’s deep cultural heritage, artistic traditions and history. Through a series of compelling works, the exhibition examines how Iranian identity continues to endure and evolve across generations, politics and geographies.

The participating artists – ranging from internationally recognised, museum-calibre names to rising new voices – reflect the breadth and dynamism of the Iranian diaspora today. Each work offers insight into the ways personal history, migration, cultural inheritance and individual experience shape artistic expression.

Among the artists are Hojjat Shakiba, Mehdi Fallah, Ahmad Ariamanesh, Ahmad Mohammadpour, Azadeh Akhlaghi ,Esmaeil Rashvand, Habib Derakhshani, Mohsen Keiany, Maryam Mirzaie, Mohammad Bozorgi, Bahram Ghonchepour and Siavash Sofinejad. Works in the section also include an installation by Homa Bazrafshan and Video Art by Simin Keramati.

Main Image: Donnya Abt, unseen narrative, 2024, Oil on canvas, 30x40cm