Saeed Khooyeh

Are you looking to understand how art can shape and reflect personal journeys? Saeed Khooyeh’s path is a true testament to how passion, dedication, and innovation fuel artistic growth.

You are the hero of your own story, and Khooyeh’s journey proves that with the right guidance, success is within reach.

With Khooyeh’s extensive experience and international recognition, his journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring artists:

• Integration of personal experiences into art
• Innovative techniques in calligraphy and painting
• Global recognition and exhibitions

By exploring his journey, you’ll discover how to elevate your craft and achieve genuine transformation and creative success.

1. Early Life and Artistic Foundations

Saeed Khooyeh was born in Tehran, Iran, in 1985. His natural talent for design, painting, and calligraphy was evident from a young age. Encouraged by his family and teachers, he began his formal training in calligraphy at the age of 12, eventually expanding his expertise to include figurative drawing and painting.

Khooyeh pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design at Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University in Tehran. He further honed his skills in interior decoration and architecture at the College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, and pursued a Master’s degree at Tarbiat Modares University.

See Also Bardia Azizi Torshizi

2. Professional Career and Achievements

Since 2001, Khooyeh has been active in the professional art world, participating in numerous solo and group exhibitions in Iran and internationally. His work spans mural painting, environmental graphics, and interior design, earning him memberships in prestigious art organizations such as the Iranian Association for Visual Arts Development and the Iranian Painters Association.

Khooyeh believes that an artist’s greatest achievement is integrating their work with their life experiences. He sees art not only as a profession but as a way of living. The greatest breakthroughs come when an artist’s personal struggles and discoveries shape their creative process.

Art becomes a daily pursuit and an essential part of existence, which continually influences the creation of new works.

3. Early Influences and Passion for Art

Saeed Khooyeh showed early talent in drawing, painting, and calligraphy. His passion for these arts led him to take various free courses with skilled instructors, starting from a young age.

He initially studied literature in high school and later pursued a master’s degree in graphic design. This deep interest and perseverance, inspired by artists who had built their lives around art, helped him establish his professional foundation.

Khooyeh credits his mother as his first source of inspiration, as she introduced him to the colorful world of carpets and weaving. He also acknowledges the role of his teachers and mentors, who guided him in his artistic journey.

Over time, nature and architecture became significant sources of inspiration for his work, prompting visual studies in these areas.

Artistic Milestones and Achievements

Khooyeh’s career trajectory saw him participating in numerous local and national art competitions, where he won several awards.

A significant milestone came in 2020 when he was invited as Iran’s representative to the Sharjah International Biennale in the UAE, where he held a solo exhibition. This experience opened up new opportunities and broadened his artistic horizons.

Early Exposure to Calligraphy

Khooyeh’s love for calligraphy began in childhood. He recalls drawing letters even before fully learning the alphabet. His teachers and family supported and encouraged his artistic inclinations.

By the age of 12, he had enrolled in the Iranian Calligraphers’ Association, where he trained under various masters. While his initial focus was on calligraphy, his artistic journey soon expanded to include figure drawing and painting.

4. Notable Exhibitions and Recognitions

Khooyeh’s impressive portfolio includes exhibitions at prominent venues such as Sa Gallery, Shalman Gallery, and the Museum of Contemporary Arts Palestine.

He has also showcased his work at international events like the Istanbul Art Fair, the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial, and the Dubai Calligraphy Biennial, earning accolades and recognition for his unique artistic vision.

Here are more details:

• Group Exhibition at Sa Gallery, 2020

• Group Exhibition at Shalman Gallery, 2020

• Bismillah Bird at Palestine Museum of Contemporary Art, 2021

• Group Exhibition at Art Land Gallery, 2021

• Selected Artwork at Iran Calligraphy Biennale in the Calligraphy-Painting Section, 2021

• Selected Artist at the 13th Fajr Visual Arts Festival, 2020

• Istanbul International Art Fair, Fall 2021

• Group Exhibition Peace at Qasr Garden Museum, 2020

• Selected Artist with Two Works at the First Sohrab Sepehri Illustration Festival, Kashan, 2020

• Group Exhibition at Azadi Tower, 2021

• Group Calligraphy-Painting Exhibition at Saba Gallery, 2021

• Group Exhibition at Mojdeh Gallery, 2021

• Group Exhibition at Homa Gallery (Arte Design), 2021

• Group Painting Exhibition at Apollon Gallery, Istanbul, Winter 2021

• Group Exhibition at Sheis Gallery, March 2022

• Group Exhibition in Bulgaria, April 2021

• Solo Exhibition at Sharjah Calligraphy Biennale, UAE, 2022

• Group Calligraphy-Painting Exhibition at Mora Gallery, May 2022

• Group Painting Exhibition at Kalemat Gallery, Dubai, 2023

• Group Painting Exhibition at Avaye Honar Gallery, Summer 2023

• Participation in Dubai Calligraphy Biennale with Two Selected Works, October 2023

• Group Painting Exhibition at Deihim Gallery, September 2021

• Display of Works at the Termeh Architecture Symposium, Espinas Palace Hotel, 2023

• Solo Exhibition at Seyhoun Gallery, 2023

• Group Exhibition in the UAE, October 2023

• Group Exhibition One Million at Thalith Gallery, Winter 2024

• Group Painting Exhibition at Behrouz Gallery, March 2024

• Group Exhibition at Atbin Gallery, May 2024

• Group Exhibition 360 Chairs, 360 Artists at Iranian Artists Forum

• 9th Sales Exhibition at Shams Gallery, Iranian Artists Forum, September 2024

• Selected and Honored Artwork at the Al Burda International Award, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 2024

• Group Exhibition Artist Mask at Iranian Artists Forum, February 2025

See Also Prominent Contemporary Artists in Iran

5. Transitioning from Traditional Arts to Contemporary Practices

At the age of 19, Khooyeh decided to turn art into his livelihood. He entered the market, choosing wall painting as an immediate source of income. His expertise in murals eventually expanded to interior design and architecture.

This new phase of his career led him to enroll in courses at the University of Tehran’s Faculty of Fine Arts, where he deepened his knowledge of design, architecture, and software for graphic arts.

These diverse projects involved integrating various techniques, including murals, sculptures, and urban elements.

Blending Calligraphy, Painting, and Sculpture

Khooyeh’s work is a fusion of painting, calligraphy, and sculpture. He believes his works are unique because they combine these mediums in ways that had not been seen before, offering fresh and engaging experiences for audiences.

These innovative combinations were well-received and sold successfully, garnering attention for their originality.

Throughout his educational journey, Khooyeh was influenced by various mentors. His experiences with different instructors shaped his understanding of blending calligraphy and painting.

As his career progressed, he became deeply interested in modern and postmodern art movements, particularly the Saqqakhaneh school and pre-revolutionary Iranian artists. These influences enriched his creative expression and opened his eyes to new possibilities.

Creative Process and Experimentation

Khooyeh views the creative process as a highly personal and introspective journey. It involves studying the works of past and contemporary artists while embracing trial and error to develop a unique worldview and artistic language.

He believes in avoiding repetition and engaging in constant experimentation. His approach is one of deep reflection and careful planning, where every piece is carefully conceptualized before execution.

Much of Khooyeh’s work is created in solitude and silence, with a focus on meditation. He spends significant time sketching, reflecting, and analyzing new ideas before starting a piece. This process allows him to refine the technical aspects and ensure that each piece carries the intended message.

6. The Importance of Material and Technique

Khooyeh does not limit himself to specific materials or techniques. In each new series of works, he experiments with different methods to find the most suitable solution.

However, once a particular technique is established, he feels it is important to stick with it to maintain the integrity of the entire collection. He seeks to present new visual experiences for his audience while carefully balancing form and content.

7. Challenges and Perseverance in the Artistic Journey

Khooyeh recognizes that the path of an artist is often filled with challenges, including financial struggles, lack of support, and uncertainty regarding the success of his works.

He compares his journey to a constant battle, where perseverance and patience are key to overcoming setbacks. He believes that the ability to continue despite difficulties is what separates successful artists from those who give up.

Khooyeh’s diverse education in calligraphy, painting, graphic design, and interior architecture has opened up new avenues for artistic expression. While sometimes this variety creates confusion or obstacles, it has often led to breakthroughs.

His most recent works represent a blend of these various influences, resulting in a cohesive and innovative artistic vision.

8. The Non-Linear Nature of Artistic Creation

Khooyeh views the creation of art not as a straightforward process but as a journey filled with uncertainty. Every new work is built on trial, error, failure, and persistence. He describes the creation of art as similar to writing a scientific paper, where various discoveries and techniques come together to form a final product.

He believes that the outcome of a work of art is not always immediately clear but that persistence eventually leads to greater recognition.

While some works may not be appreciated at first, Khooyeh believes that over time, their true value becomes evident. He compares the creation of art to writing a scientific article, where ideas, exploration, and technique come together.

The value of art, in his view, lies not in immediate success but in the long-term impact it has on the audience and the artist’s growth.

See Also Shamsollah Saedi

9. Future Projects and Ongoing Exploration

Khooyeh is currently working on several personal and collaborative projects, which are expected to be displayed in 2025. He views every work of art as a step toward greater exploration and new possibilities, constantly seeking fresh ideas and forms of expression.

For Khooyeh, the artistic journey is not defined by success or failure, but by the process of creation. He has come to realize that achieving global fame or recognition is no longer his primary goal. Instead, he focuses on creating meaningful work, trusting that the results will follow if the work is genuine and true to his vision.

Khooyeh believes that an artist’s greatest achievement lies in integrating their work with their lived experiences. His dedication to art as a way of life is reflected in his continuous exploration and innovation, making him a respected figure in contemporary Iranian art.

Saeed Khooyeh: A Recap

Saeed Khooyeh’s biography is a testament to his unwavering commitment to art. From his early beginnings in Tehran to international recognition, Khooyeh has carved a distinguished path through education, exhibitions, and professional achievements.

His work not only showcases his technical prowess but also his deep philosophical engagement with art, making him a significant contributor to the Iranian and global art scene.

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