Reza Derakshani

Reza Derakshani is recognized as one of the most influential contemporary Iranian artists, acclaimed both in the Middle East and the West.

Biography of Reza Derakshani

Reza Derakshani, a polymathic artist born in 1952, is a master painter, poet, musician, and performance artist whose eclectic talents have captivated audiences worldwide. Hailing from Sangsar, a remote village nestled in northeastern Iran, Derakshani's upbringing amidst nature's splendor profoundly influenced his artistic sensibilities.

From a young age, Derakshani displayed exceptional artistic aptitude, receiving his first commission at just nine years old and holding his first solo exhibition at the esteemed Ghandriz Art Gallery in Tehran at 19. After graduating from the University of Tehran in 1976, he continued his artistic journey at the Pasadena School of Art in California before returning to Iran to teach at prestigious institutions.

Following the Islamic Revolution, he left Iran in 1983 and settled in New York City in 1985, where he resided for sixteen years. Immersed in the vibrant artistic milieu of the city, he delved into Abstract Expressionism. He became linked with the resurgence of painting in both the USA and Europe during the 1980s, particularly through the Neo-Expressionist movement.

Loosely connected to the movement and immersed in the artistic circles of New York alongside fellow artists and friends such as Francesco Clemente, Shirin Neshat, Alessandro, and Cy Twombly, Derakshani's experience of emigration prompted a reconnection with his Iranian heritage. Transitioning from pure abstraction, the artist developed his distinctive artistic style by integrating abstract and figurative elements from both Western and Eastern traditions. 

Subsequently, Derakshani's artistic odyssey led him to Italy and back to Iran, where he spent seven transformative years before ultimately dividing his time between Dubai, UAE, and Austin, USA. 

Derakshani's artwork is featured in prestigious collections including The British Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and The Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, among others.