Hossein Kazemi

Hossein Kazemi

Hossein Kazemi, one of the pioneers of modern painting in Iran, was born in Tehran in 1924. He began his artistic education at the Kamal-ol-Molk Art School and later continued at the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Tehran, becoming one of its first graduates. Kazemi started his artistic career in the 1940s and played a key role in establishing the modern art movement in Iran alongside artists such as Javadi-Pour and the late Mossadegh at the Apadana Gallery. In the 1950s, he continued his studies in Paris at the École des Beaux-Arts. During this period, influenced by Western modernism and Iranian mystical themes, he developed a unique visual language. Upon returning to Iran, Kazemi began teaching at universities and contributed significantly to promoting modern art through publishing articles and founding the magazine Sarv. His works combine symbolism, earthy tones, textured surfaces, and minimalist structures. Over time, his style evolved from figurative painting toward abstraction. His artworks have been exhibited in renowned museums and international auctions. Kazemi passed away in 1996 but remains a foundational figure in contemporary Iranian art.

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Education

1942 Diploma from Firouz Bahram High School, Tehran

1942 Enrolled at the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Tehran

1945 Bachelor's degree in Painting, Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Tehran

1953 Studied at École des Beaux-Arts, Paris


Solo Exhibitions

1945 Galerie Souran Panran, Museum of Modern Art, Paris

1947 Iran–America Society, Tehran

1947 Iran–France Association, Tehran

1948 Iran–France Association, Tehran

1949 Alborz High School, Tehran

1953 Romeo and Juliet Gallery, Paris

1954 Museum of Modern Art, Paris

1955 Museum of Modern Art, Paris

1958 Galerie Tedesco, Paris

1967 Iran–France Association, Tehran

1968 Iran–France Association, Tehran

1973 Kourosh Gallery, Paris

1976 Lito Gallery, Tehran

1983 Étienne de Causans Gallery, Paris

1991 Seyhoun Gallery, Tehran

1992 Final solo exhibition at his personal studio, Paris


Group and International Exhibitions

1945 Iran–Soviet Cultural Association, Tehran

1949 Apadana Gallery, Tehran

1957 Venice Biennale

1957 Galerie Tedesco, Paris

1957 Petit Palais, Paris – Foreign Painters Exhibition

1958 First Tehran Biennial of Painting

1961 Venice Biennale

1962 Third Tehran Biennial of Painting

1962 Group Ceramics Exhibition, Vallauris, France

1964 Fourth Tehran Biennial of Painting

1964 Venice Biennale

1964 5th International Exhibition of Contemporary Art, New Delhi

1966 Fifth Tehran Biennial of Painting

1966 Venice Biennale

1966 Ceramics Exhibition, Vallauris, France

1980 Group Drawing Exhibition, Cité Internationale des Arts, Paris

2011 Group Painting Exhibition, Mah Gallery, Tehran

2013 Group Painting Exhibition, Mah Gallery, Tehran

2014 Group Painting Exhibition, Mah Gallery, Tehran

2016 Group Painting Exhibition, Mah Gallery, Tehran

2018 Summer Group Exhibition, Mah Gallery, Tehran

2019 “10-20-30” Exhibition, Azad Gallery, Tehran

2021 “Rare Collection of Modern Iranian Art,” Leila Heller Gallery, Dubai

2023 “Contemporary Artists Selection,” Art Center, Tehran

2023 “Veteran Artists Exhibition,” Negah Gallery, Tehran

2024 “A Collection” Exhibition, Plus 2 Gallery, Tehran


Professional and Academic Activities

1949 Co-founded Apadana Gallery with Mohammad Javadi-Pour and Houshang Ajudani

1958 Appointed Director of the Fine Arts High School, Tabriz

1961 Founded Sarv, an art magazine, in Tabriz

1962 Became Director of the Boys’ School of Fine Arts, Tehran and Lecturer at the School of Decorative Arts

1991 Began teaching in his personal studio in Paris


Awards and Honors

1958 Gold Medal, First Tehran Biennial of Painting