SoArt Club, in addition to supporting artists and introducing them in international exhibitions, tries to help the growth and strengthening of civil society in Iran by designing and implementing numerous and diverse training courses.
SoArt Festival’s Visual Arts Section Jury (2024)
William Oberst
William Oberst holds an MFA in painting from Stony Brook University and a Ph.D. in philosophy from Claremont Graduate University. He taught painting and drawing in the Stony Brook Art Department for more than a decade, as well as courses in the history of ideas for the university's Honors College.
In addition, he directed its Living Learning Centers organization and was the founding director of its University Scholars program for high-achieving students, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Faculty Service Award in 2002. Selected one of Today's Masters by Fine Art Connoisseur magazine, his paintings are in collections in Italy, Canada, and the United States. He maintains a studio-residence in downtown North Adams, Massachusetts, where he continues his art practice and research in the foundations of representational art.
For more information on William Obrest's background and works, you can visit his personal website at williamoberst.com.
Kamran Ashtary
Kamran studied art at the Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam and at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York City.
His work has been shown in solo shows and group exhibitions in The Netherlands, Iran, California, and New York, as well as published in various books and magazines all over the world.
In addition, Kamran has designed and curated exhibitions in New York, California, Iran, and the Netherlands.
Kamran is also the designer and editor of the 2010 book, Hope, Votes & Bullets, a co-author of the blog View from Iran (viewfromiran.blogspot.com), and the book Iran: View from Here. His photographs of Iran were published in the book, Iran Ist Anders, published in Switzerland.
His most recent book is Connecting Memories, a collection of photographs, illustrations, and essays documenting his research into the Holocaust.
Website/Portfolio: www.kamranashtary.com
Kaveh Mojtabai
Kaveh Mojtabai, the founder and publisher of the media company Artscope Magazine, who holds an educational background in Astrophysics and Business Administration, leads a company specializing in arts and culture journalism across multiple platforms, including print, online, and mobile apps. This effort gives artists and creators a platform. He oversees the business processes, executive management, and sales, supported by a strong team in editorial and writing.
He also serves on the Fuller Craft Museum Board as the Treasurer and has spent five years on his condominium HOA board. With the support of excellent board members and management, he has successfully navigated these organizations through the pandemic.