In September 2016, I had the privilege of being part of the Peace Colour exhibition, which was held at Milad Tower, Tehran. The event, curated by Pooyandegan Art Institute, brought together 88 selected artworks from hundreds of submissions. Each piece explored the theme of peace, using art as a medium to convey messages of harmony, understanding, and unity.

Peace Colour Art Fair, Milad Tower, Tehran, 2016

The artwork I submitted for the art fair, titled Isn’t It Enough?, is a 70 x 50 cm acrylic piece that highlights how children, more than anyone, bear the heaviest burden of violence when peace is shattered by the ambitions of adults.

Isn’t It Enough, Acrylic on canvas, 70 x 50 cm, 2016

My artwork was selected to be part of this significant exhibition, and it was a humbling experience to see my work displayed among such powerful artistic expressions. The event received media coverage from prominent outlets, including Mehr News, Honar Online and Borna News, which highlighted the importance of peace in today’s world and the role that artists can play in fostering it.

One of the most memorable moments of the exhibition was the presence of Gary Lewis, the UN Resident Coordinator in Iran, who participated in the closing ceremony. His attendance brought an international perspective to the exhibition, reinforcing the universal relevance of peace and the ways art can transcend borders and foster dialogue.

Although this exhibition took place several years ago, the message and the collective spirit of the event continue to resonate with me. It reminded me of the unique power that art has in addressing critical global issues and bringing people together around a shared vision for a more peaceful world.