Japanese artist Jun Matsubara brings his love for Iran on canvas

Acclaimed Japanese artist Jun Matsubara, who has never visited Iran so far, has painted his interest for the country in an impressive way possible.

Matsubara’s oil painting called ‘Beautiful Iran’, which is one of his many works on Iran, depicts a view of Imam Mosque in the central Iranian city of Isfahan.    

The 62-year-old artist has also a collection on urban spaces and Iranian historical sites, which was recently showcased at the “Iran-Japan Cultural Exchange Exhibition” organized in Tokyo by Iran’s Islamic Culture and Relations Organization (ICRO) and the Iran Cultural Center in Tokyo.

The Iran-Japan Cultural Painting Exhibition has been held for the first time, displaying 36 artistic works from eight prominent Japanese artists, including Jun Matsubara.  

In his recent interview with the Iran Cultural Center, Matsubara, who painted the Imam Mosque of Isfahan without visiting it, noted that he did some serious studies in order to be able to paint the monument. The studies made him more interested in historical Islamic-Iranian architectures and buildings, which he says “are like miniatures.”

“My studies raised my knowledge of Iran so that I became very interested in Iranian tile works, architecture and historical sites,” he added.

Matsubara also pointed that the monument has many differences with Japanese buildings, expressing hope that he will find the opportunity to create more paintings about Iranian culture and art.

The Japanese artist further said that he is very keen on visiting Iran because he heard about the kindness of the Iranian people.

MM/FM