Reflecting current contemporary creation, the “Talents Contemporains” competition, initiated more than 10 years ago by the François Schneider Foundation, enables the European and international artistic scenes to be explored on the particular theme of water. An original collection has thus been built up, presenting artists who have graduated from art schools as well as atypical self-taught artists. Nearly 90 works now form a singular ensemble that runs counter to certain institutional trends, exhibited both in the art center and increasingly circulating in different regions. 
While the grand jury selected 35 finalists among 381 candidates, they granted seven finalists a group exhibition in the “Foundation’s Art Centre”, a bilingual publication and the acquisition of their work. Works by Julie Bourges, Ladislas Combeuil, Alioune Diagne, Eléonore Geissler, Paul Heintz, Mehrali Razaghmanesh and Enrique Ramírez will join the Foundation’s collection.

Razaghmanesh was born in Tehran, Iran and currently lives and works in Paris, France. Deeply influenced by Iranian art and philosophy, and situated on the threshold between photography and painting, Mehrali challenges the limits of these two media by focusing on nature. By pictorially re-imagining photographed landscapes, he seeks to bring an imaginary world to life. Rather than simply capturing nature, he seeks a visual interpretation that moves the image towards the imagination itself. His work has been exhibited internationally at Palais des Beaux-Arts de Bruxelles, Rencontres d’Arles 2019, Foam Photography Museum, Netherlands; On Earth: Imaging, Technology and the Natural World at Lieu Unique, Nantes; Photolux Festival, Italy; and CLB Berlin.

O Gallery at Paper Positions Berlin 2025: showcasing Iranian artists whose practice is dedicated to the medium of paper. 

Since its inception in 2014, O Gallery has become a leading voice in Tehran’s contemporary art scene. From the very beginning, one of its core commitments has been championing young and emerging artists—with a focus on the expressive possibilities of paper. Through consistent support and thoughtful curation, the gallery has helped elevate paper-based practices to stand confidently alongside more traditionally recognized mediums, contributing to their growing visibility and critical appreciation.
In the upcoming edition of Paper Positions Berlin, O Gallery presents works of Tehran-based artists—Maryam Mohry (b. 1979 Tehran, Iran)، Ashkan Sanei (b. 1984 Urmia, Iran)  and Razieh Sedighian (b. 1986 Tehran, Iran) —whose practices are deeply rooted in the paper medium.
This year also marks our first collaboration with Berlin-based Iranian artist Iman Rezai (b. 1981 Shiraz, Iran), whose multidisciplinary approach embraces a wide range of materials. While paper is not his primary medium, it remains an integral part of his intuitive, material-driven process. 
Additionally, we are pleased to present a new collection of works by Afshan Daneshvar (b. 1972 Tehran, Iran)—recipient of the Paper Position Award of 2024—who has been granted a dedicated wall at the fair.