Mehdi Farhadian

Mehdi Farhadian, born in 1980 in Tehran, is a prominent Iranian painter whose works seamlessly blend abstract and figurative elements to create dreamlike landscapes. He completed his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Painting at the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, in 2005 and 2008, respectively. Since 2010, he has been teaching Painting and Drawing at Elm o Farhang University (Science and Culture University) in Tehran. Farhadian's artistic style is characterized by a deep respect for detail and a powerful handling of contrasting visual effects, primarily achieved through pouring and dripping paint. His works often depict urban landscapes where people and animals engage in enigmatic activities, blending realistic and fictional narratives. This approach allows him to address personal subjects within the context of contemporary Iranian history. His motifs draw inspiration from sources such as the vegetation of the Caspian Sea's northern shores, famous Iranian buildings, and contemporary historical figures. Over the years, Farhadian has held numerous solo and group exhibitions in Iran and internationally. Notable solo exhibitions include "Parade Square" at Richard Taittinger Gallery in New York (2018), "Sanctums of Decision" at the same gallery (2016), and "A Miracle for the Whole World" at Lawrie Shabibi Gallery in Dubai (2013). His work has been featured in prestigious group exhibitions such as "The Great Game" at the Iran Pavilion of the Venice Biennale (2015) and "Iran Inside Out" at the Chelsea Museum in New York (2009). In 2018, one of Farhadian's paintings, titled "Cannons and Ballerinas," was acquired by the British Museum, marking a significant achievement in his career. Farhadian's dedication to his craft and his unique artistic vision have solidified his position as a leading figure in contemporary Iranian art.