Iranian-Born Artist Showcases Paintings in Potomac

The Iranian-born painter, Habib Hastaie, celebrated his artwork with family, friends and local art enthusiasts at The Art Gallery of Potomac on Saturday evening.

The reception, "Infusions of Light & Color," was an opportunity for Hastaie to showcase his artwork to the Potomac audience. Guests were serenaded by traditional Persian music at the event sponsored by the HSBC Bank.

Hastaie's oil paintings depict images from his early life in Iran as well as his more recent life in the U.S. Hastaie's paintings tell a story, fusing his experiences in both countries. Dancers and musicians from both countries, and landscapes and waterscapes depicting images of Maine and Nebraska, are prominent motifs in his work.

According to Hastaie, his work "evokes lucid narratives that are left only partially explicated with the understanding that it is the viewer who closes – or lifts ever higher – the circle of the narrative." Hastaie said, in short, the paintings are the story of his life.

Premi Hira brought his family, including daughters Monica, Marice and Melissa to the reception. He said that studying art was a popular pastime for them, especially Monica, a 5th grade student at Lemon Road Elementary School in Virginia.

"During the bleak winter months we take Monica to study the work of the great artists at the National Gallery," said Hira. "She spends the day practicing her own art – making sketches and drawings based on the work of an artist she has selected to study. The opportunity for my family to attend this reception and meet the artist was not one to be missed." 

Hastaie's paintings are priced between $250 and $12,000.  The exhibition and sale "Infusions of Light & Color" will be on view until Dec. 19. The Art Gallery of Potomac, located at 10107 River Rd., is open Thursday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Editor's note: In an earlier version of this story, we said Monica Hira was in 8th grade instead of 5th grade. We regret the error.