The 5th edition of the Menart Fair, one of the most significant international events for modern and contemporary art, will occur from September 20 to 22, 2024, in the Marais district of Paris. Established in 2021 by Laure d’Hauteville, Menart Fair is dedicated to showcasing the works of leading artists from the Levant, the Persian Gulf, and North Africa.
In this special feature from Honargardi, we had insightful conversations with two prominent artists, Ms. Leila Varasteh and Ms. Morvarid K. Ms. Leila Varasteh is one of the founders of Simine Paris. She has been dedicated to promoting Iranian art and artists in Europe for over thirty years. Throughout her career, she has organized and presented numerous exhibitions and retrospectives in prestigious galleries, museums, and cultural institutions. She has also been responsible for selecting works for several major private collections. During our conversation with Ms. Varasteh, we discussed Iranian art, its presentation in Paris, and the challenges this field faces.
Additionally, we spoke with Ms. Morvarid about her works and artistic approaches, delving into her personal experiences and perspectives in creating art.
This year’s edition focuses on the women’s art scene from the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region, highlighting the legacy of pioneering female artists and featuring contemporary and emerging female creators.
This all-women event goes beyond gender issues to raise awareness of the richness and significance of the women’s art scene in the Arab and Persian regions. The fair will be held at Galerie Joseph Saint-Merri, a space that previously housed the Pierre Cardin Museum.
The program includes panel discussions, video presentations, and participation from MENA museums and cultural institutions. Around 30 galleries, including those with a focus on art and design, will be featured at this event. Menart Fair serves as a platform for discovering emerging art and facilitating cultural exchange between artists and international art institutions.