Mehdi Farrokhi
(born in 1980 in Torbat-e Heydarieh, Iran) is an Iranian painter and Persian miniature artist, and the recipient of the First-Class Artistic Degree in Persian Miniature Painting awarded by Iran's Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance. With nearly three decades of professional practice, he has dedicated his artistic career to expanding the expressive possibilities of Persian miniature through a contemporary visual language. In his No Negareh (Neo-Miniature) series, Farrokhi reinterpreted the structural foundations of classical Persian miniature, introducing a new visual approach rooted in tradition while embracing contemporary artistic expression. This exploration continued throughout his subsequent bodies of work and reached a more minimalist and abstract language in the exhibition Iranian Abstraction, where the essential elements of Persian miniature were redefined within a modern context. In his most recent solo exhibition, Diyout, Farrokhi draws upon the symbolic and mythological figures of Iranian culture to construct a distinctive visual universe. Within this series, the Div (mythical demon) is transformed from a legendary creature into a metaphor for inner forces, human conflict, and spiritual transformation. The project represents an ongoing dialogue between Iran's mythological heritage and a personal contemporary artistic language. In recent years, Farrokhi has also developed digital and three-dimensional interpretations of selected hand-created artworks, extending the visual language of his original pieces into new media while preserving their artistic essence.
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Place of Birth: Torbat-e Heydarieh, Iran
Education & Professional Background
Diploma in Literature
Recipient of the First-Class Artistic Degree in Persian Miniature Painting awarded by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Iran
Nearly three decades of professional practice in Persian miniature painting, painting, and drawing
Fields of Practice
Persian Miniature Painting
Contemporary Painting
Drawing
Digital and Three-Dimensional Interpretations of Original Hand-Created Artworks
Solo Exhibitions
2002 – Jaye Doost (The Place of the Beloved), Khaneh Malek, Mashhad
2004 – Spiritual Miniatures, Imam Ali Museum, Tehran
2006 – Neo-Miniatures, Imam Ali Museum, Tehran
2007 – The Blood of the Kingdom (Khoon-e Malakut), Imam Ali Museum, Tehran
2008 – Ashura Miniatures, Reza Abbasi Museum Gallery, Tehran
2011 – In Your Name, Majnun, Rezvan Gallery, Mashhad
2011 – Acceptance, Astan Quds Razavi Museum, Mashhad
2016 – Neo-Miniatures, Jaipur Art Festival, India
2018 – Compass, Goya Gallery, Tehran
2021 – Faraneshin, Khial Gallery, Saba Cultural and Artistic Institute, Tehran
2022 – The Five Treasures of Nezami, Iranology Gallery, Tehran
2024 – Iranian Abstraction, Goya Gallery, Tehran
2025 – Diyout, Iris Gallery, Tehran
Group Exhibitions
Participated in numerous group exhibitions, biennials, and artistic events in Iran and internationally.
Featured in specialized exhibitions and festivals dedicated to Persian miniature and contemporary art.
Major Art Series
Neo-Miniatures
The Blood of the Kingdom
Iranian Abstraction
Diyout
Artistic Approach
Mahdi Farrokhi's artistic practice explores new possibilities within Persian miniature painting through a contemporary visual language. Drawing inspiration from Iranian mythology, literature, and cultural heritage, his works create a dialogue between tradition and contemporary art. In recent years, he has also produced digital and three-dimensional interpretations of selected hand-created artworks, extending the visual language of his original creations into new media.