Camden New Journal - News: Iranian artist

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

Camden New Journal - by TOM FOOT
Published: 5 July 2007

Behnam Askari

Iranian artist faces lashes after bid for asylum fails

A GIFTED Iranian artist, threatened with 70 lashes and five years’ imprisonment if he is deported, has lost his bid for asylum.
Behnam Askari, a former pupil of Quintin Kynaston in Swiss Cottage, who lives in Hampstead, will now take his case to the Court of Appeal.
The 21-year-old and his mother were sentenced in absentia for protecting a dissident group distributing libertarian pamphlets in Tehran.
His mother, who faces a sterner sentence, collapsed on Tuesday and was admitted to the Royal Free Hospital, Pond Street, following the Home Office decision.
Pauline Levis, Behnam’s former teacher who has campaigned tirelessly for him, said: “We are convinced that Behnam and his mother would die under such lashings. But the panel simply do not believe the danger is there.
“I cannot understand why the Home Office is making such an effort to get rid of talented and wonderful people like Behnam. It is insane.”
She added: “We have more documents they haven’t looked at and we hope they will help.”
Behnam, who has completed his foundation year in fine Art at Central St Martin’s, is preparing for his first solo exhibition in Burgh House, Hampstead.
Once influenced by Marc Chagall and Hilma Klint, he is now rediscovering his Persian roots – specialising in a complex technique called Vitrail.
He said: “There is a danger to our lives in Iran. My father was arrested and he has been blacklisted.
“I have found my own style here. I had done projects on political prisoners, but I have started to think about art differently in the last year.
“Now I do not just paint pictures: I look for meaning.”
The exhibition runs throughout July and all proceeds will go to the Behnam Must Stay Campaign.
Actor and comedian Helen Lederer will compere a special classical music concert at Burgh House on July 29 in Behnam’s honour.
It features Harpist Gabriella Dall’ Olio and Vocalists Deborah Fink.

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment: