Farhad Moshiri

Farhad Moshiri

Farhad Moshiri (born 1963 in Shiraz) is one of the most renowned contemporary Iranian artists, best known for his paintings on jars. His works often draw inspiration from popular culture and are created within a conceptual framework, frequently categorized as kitsch and pop art. In 1984, he received his Master of Fine Arts degree from the California Institute of the Arts. His first solo exhibition, titled "Video and Sound Installation," was held in Los Angeles that same year. His first solo exhibition in Iran took place in 1992 at Seihoun Gallery. Moshiri returned to Iran in 1989 and worked on projects in the fields of animation and children’s books commissioned by UNICEF. In the following years, through his consistent presence in Iran’s contemporary art scene, he became recognized as one of the leading figures in painting and new media art. He was also among the first Iranian artists to gain entry into the international art arena. His works have been showcased in numerous national and international exhibitions. Moshiri is listed among the top 500 artists worldwide and is the first Middle Eastern artist to achieve an auction record exceeding one million dollars.

Resume

Born in 1963 in Shiraz.

Education: Master of Fine Arts, California Institute of the Arts (1984).

His first solo exhibition, titled "Video and Sound Installation," was held in Los Angeles in 1984.

His first solo exhibition in Iran took place in 1992 at Seihoun Gallery in Tehran.

In 1989 he returned to Iran and collaborated with UNICEF on animation and children's book projects.

He maintained a continuous presence in Iran’s contemporary art scene and became well known in painting and new media art.

In 2003 he participated in the 6th Sharjah Biennial in the United Arab Emirates.

In 2004 he held a solo exhibition titled "The Trickster" at Kashya Hildebrand Gallery in New York.

In 2008 he took part in the 2nd Singapore Biennial at City Hall, Singapore.

In 2019 his works were showcased at Art Basel Hong Kong by Third Line Gallery, China.

He was one of the first Iranian artists to enter the international art arena, and his works were presented in numerous national and international exhibitions.

He was listed among the 500 most important contemporary artists worldwide and was the first Middle Eastern artist to achieve an auction record of more than one million dollars.

His artistic style and practice were based on conceptual painting inspired by popular culture, often categorized as kitsch and pop art.

He passed away in 2023.