Michael Statue at the Farhangsara Gallery in Niavaran
In the Farhangsara Gallery of Niavaran, located very close to the Niavaran Palace, forty-five wax statues made of honey wax are on display. These statues are the work of Russian artists from the mobile Madame Tussauds museum in Saint Petersburg. They are made in real size and with inspiration from Madame Tussauds statues. The people whose statues are displayed are divided into three groups: artists, politicians, and freaks. These statues were selected from among 1,700 statues at the discretion of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance. The outfits of the female statues for display in Iran have been changed. The exhibition organizers have been asked to refrain from bringing statues of American and Israeli politicians. The organizers emphasize the interesting nature of the selection of statues of freaks, some of which are truly depressing to watch. According to the exhibition’s organizer, 100 to 150 people work on the faces of these statues, and the eyes of the statues are made in Russia, England, and Belgium.