Panel Discussions

Iran Inside Out

March 2010 – The Farjam Collection @ DIFC               

Moderated by Emilie Faure from The Farjam Collection, the panel brought together Sam Baradouil and Till Fellrath, curators of Iran Inside Out, and Mishaal Al Gergawi, commentator on arts and culture.  Focussing on Iran Inside Out, inaugurated for the first time in the Middle East at The Farjam Collection @ DIFC, the panel discussed the topics raised by the works on view and the exhibition’s journey from New York to Chicago to Dubai.  Both panelists and audience also engaged in an enlightening conversation on the theme of patronage, looking at what makes an effective patron.

Building and Sustaining Patronage I: From Private to Public Collections

March 2010 – Art Dubai

At the Global Art Forum of Art Dubai, Dr Farjam spoke on an informative panel on the topic of patronage.  Having been awarded the Distinguished Patron of the Arts Award that very morning, it was a particularly appropriate time for the collector to speak about his dedication to cultural initiatives throughout the region.  Dr Farjam was joined by Mohammed Afkhami, a collector based in Dubai, Alistair Hicks, a collector based in London, Maria Baibakova, founder of Baibakova Art Projects in Moscow and Michael Danoff, who chaired the panel.

Collecting Then and Now

November 2009 – Abu Dhabi Art Fair          

Dr Farjam’s passion for his collection shone through as he took part in the panel discussion Collecting Then and Now at Abu Dhabi Art.  Organized by New York University, Dr Farjam joined Roger Mandle, Head of the Qatar Museums Authority, and Larry Gagosian, the gallerist who represents some of the world’s leading artists.  The panel offered the public insight into Dr Farjam’s impressive collection and further The Farjam Collection @ DIFC’s ongoing commitment to education.           

The Influences of Islamic Art on Contemporary Art Practices

March 2009 – The Farjam Collection @ DIFC                 

The panel, organized by the Farjam Collection during the Art Dubai Fair, explored the influences of traditional Islamic art on artists working today.               

Guest speakers Dr. Venetia Porter, Curator of the Islamic Collections in the Department of Asia at the British Museum, London; Rose Issa, Independent curator and writer and organizer of the Iranian Contemporary Art Exhibition at the Barbican Center; and Wissam Shawkat, Calligrapher and graphic designer drew parallels between works in the British Museum, the Farjam Collection and recent Contemporary art exhibitions in the US, Europe and the Middle East. Mr. Shawkat showcased the work of a number of calligraphers, including some from his own extensive portfolio, and contrasted traditional and contemporary styles.