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.
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
