21 april 2023, Yves Joris
Pedrami Gallery: the best of all worlds
Making an appointment means coming face to face with the busy schedule of Katayoun (Kathy) Pedrami. A meeting got lost among appointments. Passion knows no opening or closing hours. And passion is certainly one of the keywords in Pedrami's dictionary, along with diversity and inclusivity.
Were you exposed to art while growing up?
Absolutely. My exposure to art from a very young age greatly influenced my understanding and appreciation of it as I grew older. Coming from Iran, art in Iran isn't limited to galleries, but it's deeply ingrained in our culture – beyond religion, in literature, paintings, sculptures, and music. As a result, I was constantly surrounded by diverse artistic expressions that allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of Middle Eastern art and how it interacts with and communicates with the Western world.
Pedrami Gallery, 2015, Working on progress, Business planner: Magalie Biesmans, Finance manager: Dave Van Achter
How have you come into contact with the art world?
Throughout my journey, my passion for art has always been present. After my Master in Fine Art , I pursued my studies in jewellery design, with a strong focus on the intersection of art and jewellery. While studying, I developed a keen interest in exploring diverse forms of art, including how Middle Eastern art/artists were affected by Western Europe and the opposite. That bridge of communication through art was key for my later development of becoming an art gallerist. Witnessing the power of art to facilitate cross-cultural communication and understanding inspired me to pursue a career as an art gallerist.
What was your first job in a gallery? Or did you immediately start a gallery yourself?
As someone with a Fine Arts Master from Tehran University, I was fortunate enough to have a broad knowledge base in various art productions including sculpture, photography, performance, and painting - which was my main focus at the time. This exposure to diverse art forms helped me to understand the intricacies of the art gallery world and piqued my interest in the process. I had exhibited a few times in Iran and organized several exhibitions in Antwerp before venturing out to start my own gallery around 25 years ago. Looking back, these experiences played a crucial role in shaping my perspective and vision for what my gallery represents today.
smiling woman, Ulrike Bolenz
How would you describe your gallery’s profile?
Pedrami gallery specializes in contemporary Middle Eastern art. The gallery is dedicated to promoting the work of established and emerging Middle Eastern artists, both locally and internationally, as well as fostering a dialogue between East and West by collaborating with European artists who explore Middle Eastern themes.Pedrami Gallery features a diverse range of media, including painting, sculpture, photography video and installation art. The gallery aims to create a platform for artists to share their vision and ideas with a wider audience, while also contributing to the growth and development of the Middle Eastern contemporary art scene.
The gallery has a strong commitment to supporting its artists and has a reputation for hosting high-quality exhibitions that engage with important cultural, social, and political issues.
As a gallery owner, what is your favorite aspect of your job?
As a gallery owner, there are many aspects of the job that I find fulfilling, but the most rewarding is being able to support and showcase talented artists. Providing a platform for artists to exhibit their work and connecting them with collectors and art enthusiasts is crucial to their success and recognition.
If you could represent any artist, who would it be and why?
If I had to choose one artist to represent, it would be Shirin Neshat. She is an Iranian artist who has had a significant impact on the art world with her audiovisual and photography production. Her portrayal of women's lives and experiences is powerful and inspiring.
What changes have you noticed in the art world since you first started?
Since I started in the art world, I have witnessed several fascinating changes. The globalization and digitalization of the art world have transformed the industry with advancements in online art sales, virtual exhibitions, and social media. Additionally, the market has expanded, with people seeing art as an investment opportunity. There has also been an increase in the diversity of artists and art forms, and new gallery models, such as pop-up and online galleries, have emerged.
The art world has become more interconnected, with artists, collectors, and audiences from different regions and cultures engaging in the art market. This has led to greater collaboration and exchange of ideas and styles, with a focus on issues of globalization, migration, and cultural identity in contemporary art.
As a gallery owner, you come into contact with dozens of fascinating artists and their work on a daily basis. Do you collect art yourself?
As a gallery owner, I support the artists I work with by purchasing some of their pieces. I also acquire works from artists we invite to collaborate or exhibit at our gallery. Moreover, I purchase artworks from other galleries if I find them appealing, much like any other collector.
What are your thoughts on the future of the gallery world?
The art gallery world has undergone significant changes due to the pandemic and advancements in technology, and it will continue to evolve in the future. I anticipate that galleries will embrace technology even more, using online viewing rooms and virtual exhibitions, and implementing blockchain technology for art transactions. This will enable galleries to reach wider and younger audiences and provide new ways for collectors to engage with art.
I also envision a future with greater diversity and inclusivity in the art world, with artists from diverse backgrounds and platforms. Art will focus more on the experience, and there will be more collaborations, breaking barriers of expression, material, and emotion. Physical exhibitions and art fairs will remain relevant, as they provide the perfect opportunity for people to experience art in person and connect with artists and other art enthusiasts. The role of galleries as tastemakers and curators will also continue to be essential in promoting emerging artists and shaping the art world.
