With Passion They Collect
November 2011 – Art Abu Dhabi
As part of Abu Dhabi Art, Farhad Farjam spoke on a panel With Passion They Collect alongside HE Abdul Rahman Al Owais, HE Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi, and moderator and collector Farbod Dowlatshahi. These four collectors illustrated and discussed the evolution of collecting in the UAE over the past thirty years. Works from all four collections were on view in an exhibition entitled Opening The Doors: Collecting Middle Eastern Art in Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi.
New Body ‘Will Unite Culture of Nation‘
February 2011 – The Farjam Foundation @ DIFC
Nasir Hashim center talks to students during the museum studies class at The Farjam Foundation space in Dubai.
A Panel Discussion on the Social Responsibility of Art Collectors
January 2011 – Barjeel Art Foundation
Featuring guest speakers Earl Roger Mandle (Executive Director, Qatar Museums Authority) and Richard Armstrong (Director of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation), and moderated by Hans Ulrich Obrist (Co-Director of Exhibitions and Programmes and Director of International Projects, the Serpentine Gallery). The panel explored the role non-profit institutions play in creating a vibrant and resilient art sector, as well as the particular challenges and growth prospects for these institutions in the region.
Collectors Farhad Farjam, Kito de Boer and Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi spoke on an informative panel discussion that considered the varied aspects of an art collector’s social responsibility, offering new and interesting perspectives on the subject. The panel was organized by Promise of a Generation in collaboration with The Farjam Foundation and Barjeel Art Foundation.
Iran Inside Out
March 2010 – The Farjam Foundation @ DIFC
Moderated by Emilie Faure from The Farjam Foundation, 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 Foundation @ 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, Farhad Farjam spoke on an informative panel on the topic of patronage. Having been awarded the Distinguished Patron of the Arts Award that same 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, another Dubai-based collector, 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
Farhad Farjam’s passion for his collection was evident 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, who represents some of the world’s leading artists. The panel offered the public insight into Dr Farjam’s impressive collection and the Farjam Foundation’s ongoing commitment to education.
The Influences of Islamic Art on Contemporary Art Practices
March 2009 – The Farjam Foundation @ DIFC
The panel, organized by the Farjam Foundation 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 Foundation 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.
