October 18, 2021

Paris-based Iranian LGTBQ+ artist excluded by major Parisian art fair

A new artwork celebrating the Iranian LGBTQ+ community by Paris-based Iranian LGBTQ+ artist Alireza Shojaian has been cancelled by the organizers of the ASIA NOW contemporary art fair (21-24 October 2021). Despite having approached and formally invited the artist, the AsiaNow organizers have revoked their invitation just days before the major art fair was set to start. Their decision comes following pressure from Tehran- based galleries who refused to be exhibited alongside Alireza Shojaian’s pro-LGBTQ+ artwork. In addition to the exclusion, the organizers of the fair have attempted to silence Alireza and his art through threats of legal actions.