* 23-30 May 2026

* Mall Galleries, The Mall, London SW1

* Open 10am-5pm daily

* Private View, Friday 22 May 6pm-8.30pm (invitation only)

* WITH MY ROOTS returns for its sixth edition, presenting a powerful and timely showcase of Iranian contemporary art in the heart of London.

Set against a backdrop of ongoing conflict and political uncertainty, the opening of the 6th Iranian Contemporary Art Biennale in London could not be more poignant. Dedicated to championing Iranian artists across the world, WITH MY ROOTS brings together an international community of emerging and established artists whose work speaks about identity, displacement, memory and cultural continuity.

The biennale showcases a broad spectrum of contemporary practices, including painting, photography, digital art, installation and video. As well as Iran, the exhibition presents the work of Iranian artists from the UK and fourteen countries across Europe, North America and the Middle East.

Marina Panahi, Founder & Director, Capital Art London says: "WITH MY ROOTS is an opportunity for British and global arts audiences to move outside the language of politics and conflict, and hear the voices of Iranian artists worldwide; discover more about the country's artistic heritage, culture, visual language and legacy."

Eternal Iran: Cultural Heritage

At the centre of this year's programme is Eternal Iran, a special curatorial section exploring the country's deep cultural heritage, artistic traditions and history. Through a series of compelling works, the exhibition examines how Iranian identity continues to endure and evolve across generations, politics and geographies.

The participating artists - ranging from internationally recognised, museum-calibre names to rising new voices - reflect the breadth and dynamism of the Iranian diaspora today. Each work offers insight into the ways personal history, migration, cultural inheritance and individual experience shape artistic expression.

The Artists

Among the artists are Hojjat Shakiba, Mehdi Fallah, Ahmad Ariamanesh, Ahmad Mohammadpour, Azadeh Akhlaghi ,Esmaeil Rashvand, Habib Derakhshani, Mohsen Keiany, Maryam Mirzaie, Mohammad Bozorgi, Bahram Ghonchepour and Siavash Sofinejad. Works in the section also include an installation by Homa Bazrafshan and Video Art by Simin Keramati.

Art of Conflict

The WITH MY ROOTS team has overcome great logistical challenges to bring to London paintings, photographs and prints by 19 artists, currently living in Iran and experiencing at first hand the recent violence and war. These include paintings by Mohammad Bozorgi and Ahmad Ariamanesh, and photographs by Majid Saeedi, Alireza Memariani, Shahla Khodadadi. In addition, the exhibition presents photography by two female artists, Maryam Saeidipour and Maryam Rahmanian, taken on the battlefield. More than an exhibition, WITH MY ROOTS aims to create a space for dialogue and cultural exchange, to allow visitors to gain a greater understanding of the deep-rooted culture of this historic nation through its contemporary visual arts.

As debates around identity, belonging and ethnicity rage around us, the biennale stands as a timely reminder of art's enduring ability to reflect diverse views and connect communities across borders.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors

Eternal Iran: With My Roots

6th Iranian Contemporary Art Biennale

23-30 May 2026

Mall Galleries, The Mall, London SW1

Opening times: 10am-5pm daily

Private View: Friday 22 May 6pm-8.30pm (invitation only)

Website link: https://www.mallgalleries.org.uk/exhibitions-events/my-roots-biennale-6th-edition

Buy tickets link: Buy Tickets (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/eternal-iran-with-my-roots-6th-iranian-contemporary-art-biennale-tickets-1987689800701?aff=oddtdtcreator)

Ticket price: £7.00

(Free Admission for Friends of Mall Galleries and Capital Art London Members)

Accessibility: Please see Mall Galleries' website for details: https://www.mallgalleries.org.uk/visit-us/access

Capital Art London

WITH MY ROOTS is organised by Capital Art London, an exclusive integrated contemporary art trade centre established in 2016 in London. The organisation specialises in Middle Eastern art, with a particular emphasis on Iranian art, and is dedicated to introducing this rich cultural heritage to a global audience.

Capital Art London connects collectors, investors, and art enthusiasts with high-quality contemporary artworks while fostering trust, transparency, and accessibility in the art market.

capitalartlondon.uk

Mall Galleries, The Mall, London SW1

Managed by the Federation of British Artists, Mall Galleries is located in the cultural heart of London's thriving arts and heritage district on The Mall, between Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square. Behind the elegant facade is over 450sqm of fully equipped exhibition space of unparalleled scale for its location. For over fifty years, it has served as a national focal point for figurative art; hosting exhibitions by eminent Royal art societies and welcoming a range of activities from art fairs, auctions, solo, group exhibitions and more.

mallgalleries.org.uk

Available for interview:

Marina Panahi , Founder & Director of Capital Art London, Director of the Biennale

Ayat Ghasempour , With My Roots Artistic Director

Hossein Khosrojerd , With My Roots Jury Member

Artists by request

Private View: Friday 22 May 6pm-8.30pm (Invitation only)

Press Images and Press Release pdf: DOWNLOAD PRESS IMAGES (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11K21-fdr-VFYC-OaBwkHPx2QWxV92nvm?usp=sharing)

Press Contact: Jessica Wood, jessica.wood@rosamagazine.co.uk 07939 226988