Gallerist And Collector Maria Behnam-Bakhtiar On Going Against The Wave

As an art supporter for the last decade, Maria Behnam-Bakhtiar has made it her life goal to restlessly spotlight Iranian artists to a global eye

The eponymous Monaco-based contemporary and modern art gallery Galerie Maria Behnam-Bakhtiar is focused on showcasing the works of Iranian artists despite rising global challenges. Here, founder Maria Behnam-Bakhtiar walks us through the gallery’s current show, the newly revamped Fondation Behnam-Bakhtiar and her perpetual mission to showcase extraordinary talent.

Being involved in the international art scene for over a decade as a private collector, as well as acting as the collection curator for Fondation Behnam-Bakhtiar, how would you best describe your role today as a prominent supporter of art?

Having been exposed to modern and contemporary art from my teenage years in the Middle East where I grew up, I found this affinity with many established and emerging Iranian artist’s works. For the past 10 years, I have met a large number of artists, either in Iran or living abroad and I felt a connection with their oeuvre and techniques. For me these experiences developed into a deep appreciation for their refined practice and identity.

Under the umbrella of Fondation Behnam-Bakhtiar, I have been acting as the collection curator for a decade now, acquiring works by established and emerging Iranian artists. I was also involved in various activities of the foundation, such as the launch of a biennial award which debuted in 2017, event sponsorships of various artists such as Parviz Tanavoli and Nicky Nodjoumi in Iran, France and the Principality Monaco, as well as a multitude of projects with select artists supported by the foundation.

Installation View (L to R): Mostafa Choobtarash. Untitled. 2012. 175x140cm. Oil and acrylic on canvas; Untitled. 2015. 200x160cm. Oil and acrylic on canvas

In 2019 I launched my art gallery, Galerie Maria Behnam-Bakhtiar in Monte Carlo, and while we do showcase international artists, undoubtedly the gallery has a strong focus on Iranian artists as a further commitment to my support of Iranian arts. I am happy that our unique and strategical geographical location allows for the exposure of their exceptional works to esteemed collectors from all corners of the world.

I always envisioned a new effort by setting up in the Principality of Monaco, the heart of Europe, in order to bring forth a strong community of established and emerging artists from Iran and of Iranian descent. My aim is to provide a sustainable platform for dedicated artists who do extraordinary work, so they are able to foster their practice and careers, while being a place where collectors can discover these talents.

In these uncertain times, what do you think is the most important aspect of your work?

To pave the way for the creation of a sustainable long-term effort supporting and advancing Iranian art globally. At times like these especially, I think it is important to go against the wave, to consider the bigger picture and to stand behind what you believe in.

It seems that you have a strategy in leading a new collective effort with your gallery, alongside the newly revamped Fondation Behnam-Bakhtiar. Can you elaborate?

Both the foundation and the gallery will be working together in order to bring forth a united front presenting artistic talent. The strategy focuses on supporting the artist and his work. With the foundation we acquire the artist’s works for the collection and offer the funds directly to the artists. We aim to provide exhibition opportunities and prizes through the award. We also support and sponsor select artists with upcoming projects and provide insight to their practice through editorial projects and more.

With the gallery, we host solo and group exhibitions in the principality showcasing the work to a unique group of international collectors. We also catalogue the works via the gallery’s own publishing department, invite curators and writers to collaborate, and bring forth awareness through media partners and publications, to name a few.

You are currently showing artist Mostafa Choobtarash at the gallery. Can you tell us about this artist and the works on show?

Mostafa Choobtarash’s first solo show with us and in the Principality, entitled Sides of Humour, focuses on the artist’s iconic works made with his renowned comic painterly style. The exhibition comprises a series of large, oil and acrylic paintings on canvas, where Mostafa skillfully combines three elements: the past, paint and humour.

Each work is multilayered with freely painted renderings of a historical element such as an ancient stone wall-relief depicting Assyrian warriors, a Persian manuscript, or a figure from the time of the Shah. These visual fragments of history are ‘graffitied’ with bright, cartoonish comic vignettes, resulting in vibrant and distinctive works, through which Mostafa ultimately expresses the humour and satirical spirit of everyday people living their lives as best they can, despite the chaos of the world.

Mostafa Choobtarash. Untitled. 2012.160 x 190 cm. Oil and acrylic on canvas.

Any upcoming shows in 2021 we should know about?

After Mostafa’s first solo show in Monaco, we are showing the works of another Iranian artist, Babak Kazemi. His solo exhibition with us is part of Fondation Behnam-Bakhtiar Award’s first edition winning prize. It will be followed by a dual solo show of Morvarid K. and Parham Peyvandi, who were the runners-up.

During Monaco Art Week, the gallery will be presenting a group exhibition of works by select established and emerging Iranian artists. The rest is a surprise!

The Sides of Humour exhibition by Mostafa Choobtarash is on view until 18 January 2021 at Galerie Maria Behnam-Bakhtiar. Click here to find out more. 

Images by Loic Thebaud. Courtesy of Galerie Maria Behnam-Bakhtiar

Lead image: Installation View (L to R): Mostafa Choobtarash. Untitled. 2012. 90x60cm. Acrylic on canvas; Untitled. 2014. 135x180cm. Acrylic and oil on canvas; Untitled. 2012. 160x190cm. Oil and acrylic on canvas