Mina Etemad, a pioneer of contemporary art in Iran, was amongst the first to join the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art. She was instrumental in helping to position Iran as one of the biggest collectors of western art during the 1970's in the middle east. The gallery is committed to raising the profile of Iranian contemporary art by featuring emerging and established artists. The works exhibited r
ange from abstraction to figuration, with adherence to innovative techniques and aesthetic styles. Today, Iran’s emerging contemporary art scene challenges stereotypes of a society mired in tradition. Young avant-garde artists find inspiration in often complex and interwoven sub-cultures. These artists depict developments triggered by rapid urbanisation, globalisation and changes in demographics, while they address some conceptual themes like modernity, identity, femininity and violence. Etemad Gallery Dubai is established with the aim of placing Iranian and Middle Eastern contemporary art within a global context. The gallery is significant as it is positioned as the first Tehran-based gallery to have another branch outside the country, established by Amir Hossein Etemad. The expansion into neighbouring Dubai in recent years has helped create a continual dialogue with the Emirate's acting as a crossroads for regional artists, including Iranians, which has led to impressive record figures at auction for these artists. Etemad's commitment to contemporary art is deeply rooted in a history of passion for art, encouraged by supporting artists throughout different stages of their career.
