Tehran -- An exhibition of paintings by veteran Assyrian-Iranian artist Hannibal Alkhas will open at Tehran+s Elaheh Gallery on June 17.

According to ISNA, the exhibit will display 28 tableaux by Alkhas, the initiator of figurative drawing in modern Iranian painting.

The gallery will unveil some of his works which have not yet been shown to the public.

"Alkhas has a style of his own and that makes him significant," said Elaheh Javaheri, the gallery+s director.

The 80-year-old Alkhas is a leading painter who has greatly influenced Iranian visual arts.

Alkhas was born to an Assyrian family in Kermanshah province.

He took up painting at an early age and has taught the art for 35 years. He has got an MA in visual arts from the Art Institute of Chicago.

Portraits of famous Iranian poets, including Aref Qazvini is among his prominent works.

The artist has also translated 150 sonnets by the renowned classical Persian poet Hafez Shirazi into Assyrian.

"Visual arts have made great progress in Iran in the past 30 years. Works by Iranian artists are welcomed at international events," Alkhas said.

Alkhas has so far held over 300 group and solo exhibit in Iran and other countries such as Canada, Australia and US.

The exhibit will run through July 16.

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