Parviz Kalantari

Parviz Kalantari, painter and illustrator, was born in 1931 in Zanjan, Iran. From an early age, he showed a deep interest in painting and later pursued formal studies in the field at the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Tehran. He began his professional career illustrating children's books and collaborating with publications such as Iran-Abad, gradually emerging as an influential figure in the Iranian visual arts scene. Kalantari played a significant role in educating a new generation of artists, serving as a teacher and art director at institutions like the Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults (Kanoon) in Tehran and the Children's Art College in California. His works combined native simplicity with modern forms—paintings often based on mud-plaster textures, reflecting a fresh perspective on the architecture and lifestyle of Iran’s ethnic groups. Through techniques involving clay, plaster, and traditional objects, he created nostalgic yet vivid and dynamic visual worlds. Alongside painting, Kalantari was also active as a writer and art critic. His articles and books reflect his deep cultural concerns. His works were exhibited both in Iran and internationally, and one of his paintings was selected for a special United Nations stamp. Parviz Kalantari passed away in 2016.