Jamshid Bayrami at Xerxes Fine Arts
6IIIs to Persia on Resonance104.4fm
Photographer Jamshid Bayrami shows his works in ‘Haj’, the opening exhibition at Xerxes Fine Arts Gallery in London, the only permanent gallery dedicated to Iranian art.
Bayrami has worked successfully as a photo journalist and is known for his picture of a bloodied hand print on a T-shirt during student protests that appeared on the front of The Economist magazine.
Here Fari Bradley talks to gallery owner and curator Ali Bagherzadeh, who is himself a collector, about the show and its pieces.
This show was originally broadcast from the Resonancefm studios on July 7th 2008
2009 Freedom to Create Prize Launch
International Prize for Artists on the Frontlines Enters Second Year
Following the success of last year’s inaugural prize, the 2009 Orient Global Freedom to Create Prize is announced in London. This unique prize highlights the talent and courage of artists on the frontlines of the developing world.
Commenting on the launch Orient Global Chairman, Richard F. Chandler, said: “History shows that prosperous societies are founded upon creativity. Societies that encourage artistic expression build strong foundations for economic, political and cultural development. They will lead tomorrow’s world.”
He added “The Orient Global Freedom to Create Prize celebrates the talent of artists who bring messages of hope to places of turmoil and despair. It also recognises their courage to confront
injustice in circumstances where there are visible costs and less visible rewards. They inspire the human spirit and nourish the creativity needed for progress.”
The Orient Global Freedom to Create Prize is an international award established in 2008.
The Prize consists of three categories: the Main Prize, open to individuals or artistic groups in all creative fields; the Youth Prize, open to artists under the age of 18; and the Imprisoned Artist Prize, focusing on artists who are currently imprisoned for their artwork. The total prize fund is US$ 125,000 which will be divided between the winning artists and their nominated advocacy organisations to further the cause their artwork has highlighted.
The winner of the 2008 Prize was Cont Mhlanga, a controversial Zimbabwean playwright who has risked his life challenging the Mugabe dictatorship for over 25 years. His winning submission was a politically charged satire ‘The Good President’, presents a fictionalised account of a ruthless dictator, but closely mirrored recent events in Zimbabwe.
The 2008 Imprisoned Artist Prize winner was Burmese satirist Zarganar, imprisoned for 35 years for mocking the Burmese government in the wake of Cyclone Nargis. The Youth Prize was
awarded to City of Rhyme, a hip-hop group from the Brazilian favelas.
Open to all artists, the closing date for entries is 14 August. A shortlist will be announced at the beginning of September and judging will take place over the following weeks. This year’s Prize will be judged by a panel of high profile artists, opinion leaders, and human rights lawyers.
Details of these panellists will be announced shortly. The award ceremony will take place in London in November 2009.
The Prize is implemented by ArtAction, a philanthropic organisation established by Orient Global in 2007 to improve lives by harnessing the unique powers and properties of the arts.
Since inception, ArtAction has supported over 200 projects in more than 80 countries, improving the lives of an estimated 12 million people (www.artaction.com).
For more information about the Orient Global Freedom to Create Prize:
http://www.freedomtocreateprize.com or info@freedomtocreateprize.com
For all media enquiries:
Will Paget, Lisa Baker and Alice Parsons
PagetBaker Associates
Tel: + 44 (0)207 323 6963
will@pagetbaker.com or alice@pagetbaker.com
About Orient Global
Orient Global is a private investment group based in Singapore and founded by New Zealandborn entrepreneur, Richard F. Chandler. Orient Global’s mission is to Build Prosperity forTomorrow’s World. Orient Global Capital manages a multi-billion dollar investment fund focused on emerging markets and economies in transition. Orient Global Development focuses on building
sustainable businesses to meet the needs of low income consumers.
http://www.orientglobal.com