Cyprus Mail 1 April 2025 - by Eleni Philippou
THE MYSTERY OF PERSIA - solo exhibition by Elham Razani
Ibrahim's Khan Art Gallery, Paphos
11 April - 6 May - opening night 7pm. Sat/Sun 10am-noon, 3-5pm
Persian artist Elham Razani, who has made Paphos her home, presents a unique, solo art exhibition this April in Paphos. Titled The Mystery of Persia, it invites viewers to discover the soul of Persian heritage as Razani unveils its hidden stories through her art. She presents her Handmade Persian Door for the first time in a public exhibition opening on April 11 at Ibrahim’s Khan Art Gallery.
Though she now has over two decades of experience in painting, as a child, Razani disliked it, but when she began formally studying art 25 years ago, she fell in love with the process. Since then, art has become an inseparable part of her life, and she now spends eight to nine hours a day creating. Her artistic journey began in her home city of Tehran, where she had the privilege of being mentored by three esteemed Iranian artists.
Across her career she moved countries and showcased her art in exhibitions across three continents, in Canada, South Africa, Europe and the Middle East. In 2017, a fire in South Africa destroyed her home and all her artwork. While visiting family in Iran, she received the heartbreaking news. Overwhelmed with grief, she sought solitude behind a door to weep in private. That moment became a turning point.
The door, symbolising both secrecy and revelation, inspired her to create a series deeply connected to her Persian heritage. She began crafting intricate 3D Persian doors on canvas. These doors hold cultural significance, reflecting the Persian tradition of using distinct knockers for men and women, symbolising the joys and sorrows witnessed over generations. Many visitors mistake her creations for real doors, a testament to the depth and realism of her technique.
Now based in Paphos, Razani continues to push artistic boundaries while sharing her expertise through workshops and exhibitions. Her latest collection will be unveiled at Ibrahim’s Khan Art Gallery next week and the exhibition will run for a month, offering art lovers the opportunity to immerse themselves in a world where history, craftsmanship and innovation intertwine.
For Razani, art is more than just a visual expression; it is a voice, a story and an invitation for viewers to find their own meaning within her work. Through her Persian doors, she reminds viewers to cherish the past while stepping boldly into the future and she notes that her speech at the opening event is not to be missed.
