Master Kazem Khorasani

Calligraphy-painter and typeface designer; creator of Modern Kufic

  

Artistic Perspective: Master Kazem Khorasani

From the perspective of Dr. Kazem Khorasani, the art of Naqqashi-khat (calligraphy-painting) is a transnational and abstract language that should not be confined within the boundaries of classical rules. He views art as a platform for the intelligent fusion of the solid geometry of the East with the freedom and boldness of Western art. In his view, the true value of a work lies in “improvisation”; where the idea is not pre-designed before execution, but rather born in the moment at the tip of the pen, allowing its “pristine nature” and “natural imperfections” to imbue the work with a human spirit.

Biography of Dr. Kazem Khorasani

Kazem Khorasani is one of the prominent and influential figures in contemporary Iranian calligraphy-painting (Naqqashi-khat), having dedicated nearly three decades of his artistic career to research, innovation, and the creation of works across various styles of calligraphy and graphic design. With a PhD in Art, he has developed a unique visual language by intelligently blending the solid geometry of the East with the creative freedom of Western art.

• Creator of “Modern Kufic” script: A modern redesign of the geometry of ancient and Avestan scripts.

• Professional background: Designed 330 logos and 310 graphic elements and bas-reliefs.

• International recognition: Selected for the Cité Internationale des Arts residency in Paris and participation in various global exhibitions.

Selected Works of Master Kazem Khorasani

View works →

 
Calligraphy-painting

Title: Golden Beginning

Dimensions: 150 x 250 cm

Calligraphy-painting

Title: Eastern Romance

Dimensions: 200 × 200 cm

Calligraphy-painting

Title: Free Writing

Dimensions: 140 × 140 cm

Calligraphy-painting

Title: Dance of Light

Dimensions: 140 × 140 cm

 
Calligraphy-painting

Title: Turquoise Garden

Dimensions: 165 x 110 cm

    Resume and Achievements

    Education, Teaching, and Academic Activities

    • University faculty member and department head with over two decades of teaching experience.

    • Instructor for Master of Arts (MA) Graphic Design entrance exam preparatory courses (record of 14 years training top-ranked students).

    • Instructor and official member of the Iranian Calligraphers Association since 1997.

    • Founder and Head of the Ferdows branch of the Iranian Calligraphers Association (for 4 years, starting in 1997).

    • Conducted 28 workshops and delivered lectures at national and international art forums.

    • Authored 16 scientific-research and promotional articles for national and international conferences.

    Honors, Memberships, and Awards

    • Holder of the First-Class Art Degree from the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance.

    • Golden Resident (Golden Visa) of the UAE.

    • Member of the Iranian Center for Visual Arts Development.

    • Member of the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris (Invited artist by the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art for a residency in 2015).

    • Recipient of 1st to 3rd place awards and distinctions in 56 national and international festivals (including: International Fajr Festival, Al-Burda UAE, Fujairah UAE, Qazvin Biennial, Imam Reza Festival, etc.).

    • Selected among the 80 prominent Iranian artists at the “FIAP Jean Monnet” exhibition in Paris (2024), alongside works by masters such as Sohrab Sepehri, Bahman Mohasses, Iran Darroudi, etc.

    Exhibitions

    • Held 32 solo exhibitions domestically and internationally (including: UAE, Canada, USA, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto, Los Angeles).

    • Participated in over 200 international group exhibitions (France, Italy, Turkey, UAE, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Lebanon, Qatar, Bangladesh, Malaysia, UK, Australia, etc.).

    Key Projects, Design, and Urban Elements

    • Creator of the “Modern Kufic” script in 1998.

    • Manager of Khorasani Graphic Design Studio.

    • Designed and constructed 310 urban elements in various cities across the country.

    • Designed stone relief inscriptions for the western and southern facades of the Hosseiniyeh Ershad in Tehran (approx. 90 square meters, four-layered).

    • Designed logos for over 350 brands and organizational entities.

    • Advertising and Design Manager for Alis Factory Group (2017-2018).

    Publications and Research

    • Author of 5 specialized books in the fields of calligraphy and graphic design.

    • Author of the “Modern Kufic Script” instruction book (trilingual: Persian, English, Arabic - commissioned by the Khawla Art and Culture Center, Abu Dhabi).

    • Publication of over 40 works and interviews in reputable domestic and international art journals and books (France, Italy, Canada, Bahrain, etc.).

    Sales and Collections

    • Works featured and sold at international auctions: Qatar (AlBahie), UK (Gunnersbury Park Museum London), Iran (Negar Gallery).

    • Works sold and held in reputable museums: Imam Ali (AS) Museum, Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art.

    • Works included in private art collections in countries such as: France, UAE, Kuwait, USA, Canada, Turkey, UK, etc.