Persbook Contemporary Art Annual

The Persbook Contemporary Art Annual was established in 2009 by artist and curator Neda Darzi to showcase and introduce the works of Iranian artists, both domestic and expatriate. Darzi’s art addresses universally significant issues, a focus mirrored in her curatorial projects. Persbook aims to create an open and unbiased platform for showcasing the works of young Iranian artists, a vision that continues to shape the event’s objectives and activities.

One of Persbook’s distinctive features is the inclusion of foreign artists and jury members, highlighting the event’s diversity and international scope. Additionally, Persbook is among the first annual exhibitions in Iran to display artworks not only in gallery spaces but also in the virtual realm. Over the years, it has invited Iranian and international artists to present their works on various subjects.

From the fifth edition onwards, Neda Darzi has directed the event towards long-term goals focused on environmental conservation and the preservation of Iran’s ancient heritage. Since the seventh edition, she has personally curated the event, selecting various regions of Iran and emphasizing diverse cultural areas. Through site-specific projects, she aims to bridge the gap between artists and the community’s ecosystem. These choices reflect critical social and environmental concerns, easily identifying the concept of ecocritical art within the event’s framework.