by
Master Jalil Ziapour, the Father of Modern Iranian Painting
Dear friends and companions of culture and art,
The history of modern Iranian art was shaped by the audacity and innovation of pioneers who stood against the antiquated; and at the center of this fundamental transformation, the name and standing of my father, Master Jalil Ziapour (the Father of Modern Iranian Painting), have played an irreplaceable role.
For years, his official website (ziapour.com) has been a reference for understanding this path; and now I am expanding this collection so that an authentic and comprehensive narrative of his life, the endeavors of the “Fighting Cock” era, works, anthropological research, and theoretical legacy may be compiled into a unified whole and made available to today’s generation and future generations.
Yet this living history is not confined solely to the documents held by the family. A significant part of the memories and documents of that era has been preserved as keepsakes among his friends, students, and companions in family albums and personal collections; treasures such as:
- Rarely seen photographs from his years of study, “Fighting Cock” circles, workshops, and years of teaching
- Letters, postcards, and personal or professional notes
- Magazines, newspapers, manifestos, and press reviews of that era
- Audio files, films, exhibition catalogues, and related research
Each and every one of these keepsakes is a piece of a historical puzzle that sheds new light on unseen corners of the fruitful life and intellectual world of Master Jalil Ziapour. I sincerely ask you, esteemed companions, students, and families of my father’s longtime friends, to join me in this historical record so that these documents may be documented in their rightful place.
For your peace of mind, the original documents will remain with you, and I only need a clear mobile phone photo or high-quality scan of them to publish on the website and Instagram page with your consent. If you wish to donate the original document, I will receive it with utmost pleasure and honor, and in keeping with courtesy and stewardship, your name will be recorded alongside the document, unless you prefer that your name remain confidential.
Your support is not limited solely to possessing these documents; it may well be that these keepsakes are in the libraries or old albums of an acquaintance of yours, and they are unaware of their historical value. Sharing this call among the cultural and artistic community is a great contribution to rescuing these golden pages from the dust of oblivion.
Ways to send:
1. Instagram Direct: @jalilziapour
2. Email: mahsha@ziapour.com
With respect and gratitude,
Mahsha Ziapour
Daughter of Master Jalil Ziapour
