A contemporary art auction in Tehran raised an estimated $8.1m, twice the total of the previous event in January 2018. This was despite fears that US sanctions would mean fewer buyers. With his imposing figure, the moustachioed Iranian actor Hossein Pakdel commanded the audience as chief auctioneer, whipping attendees into excitement during the competitive bidding process. The event included a record price for a work by a local female artist of almost $1m paid for Monir Farmanfarmaian’s mirror mosaic. In Iran, women are not allowed to attend public events and many have been forced into hiding after being targeted with harassment or violence.
A contemporary art auction in Tehran raised an estimated $8.1m, twice the total of the previous event in January 2018. This was despite fears that US sanctions would mean fewer buyers. The event included a record price for a work by a local female artist of almost $1m paid for Monir Farmanfarmaian’s mirror mosaic. In Iran, women are not allowed to attend public events and many have been forced into hiding after being targeted with harassment or violence.