KAZEM KHORASANI
Professor | Graphic Designer | Calligrapher
KAZEM KHORASANI
Professor | Graphic Designer | Calligrapher
• PhD in Art Research (Modern Calligraphy)
• Master’s in Graphic Design – Art University of Tehran
• Founder of Khorasani Graphic Studio
• Inventor of Modern Kufic Calligraphy
Kazem Khorasani:
The Fusion of Eastern and Western Art in Calligraphy-Painting
From the very beginning, letters have flowed through the veins of Kazem Khorasani’s life—words deeply rooted in the layers of his mind, gradually emerging from his pen and elegantly forming on the canvas. With nearly three decades of mastery in various styles of calligraphy-painting, Khorasani stands as one of the pioneers of this art form in Iran. Yet, his artistic repertoire extends beyond this. He has designed over 290 logos for prominent brands, created more than 310 graphic elements and relief designs across the country, and is credited with the invention of the “Neo-Kufic” style—an innovative reinterpretation of classical Kufic script.
Art as a Common Language Between East and West
What sets Khorasani’s work apart is his ability to seamlessly blend Eastern and Western artistic elements within the framework of calligraphy-painting—a subtle and profound synthesis that manifests both formally and conceptually in his art. In 2015, Khorasani was selected by the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art as the featured artist for a residency at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris. This opportunity, in a city known for nurturing creative talent, where more than 300 active art studios thrive, proved to be a transformative experience for him.
During his time in Paris, Khorasani visited over forty art museums, including the Louvre, the Orsay Museum, and the Centre Pompidou. His direct exposure to masterpieces of classical and contemporary Western art reshaped his artistic vision. The influence of this period became evident upon his return to Iran, when he created the “Loves” collection—works infused with vibrant color, dynamic energy, and an expressionist approach that reflects a sophisticated fusion of Western artistic techniques with the structural and spiritual essence of Eastern calligraphy.
Neo-Kufic: A Modern Reinvention of Tradition
Khorasani’s creation of the “Neo-Kufic” style marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of calligraphy-painting. Rooted in the ancient Kufic script, this modern interpretation introduces significant formal changes: the addition of curves and loops, alterations in the baseline and composition of letters, and the emergence of new abstract forms that enhance the visual and creative potential of his work. Neo-Kufic, with its flowing forms and bold compositions, functions as a bridge between East and West—a reinvention of traditional Eastern art within the framework of Western modernism.
Aesthetic and Improvisational Mastery
Another defining element of Khorasani’s work is the improvisational nature of his creative process. He rarely works from a predefined plan; the idea takes shape at the tip of his pen, and the final form emerges organically during execution. This fluidity, spontaneity, and the natural imperfections of the creative process contribute to the distinct visual character of his work. Khorasani approaches calligraphy-painting as an abstract and universal language—liberated from the rigid rules of classical calligraphy and open to new visual and conceptual possibilities.
International Recognition
Khorasani’s achievements extend far beyond Iran’s borders. In recent years, his works have been exhibited in prestigious international galleries, including the Ikonica Gallery in Milan, the Donna Child Gallery in Toronto, the Blossom of Unity Gallery in London, and the Al Burda Festival in the UAE. Several pieces from his collections have been auctioned at major international houses, including in Qatar and London. His works are part of the private collections of notable figures such as Empress Farah Pahlavi, Princess Khawla (daughter-in-law of Sheikh Zayed), the Iqbal family of Pakistan, Ali Daei, and other distinguished collectors in Italy, London, Canada, Qatar, and the United States.
A Meeting of Iranian Identity and Global Perspective
Khorasani has consciously preserved his Iranian identity within the framework of his art.
The influence of Persian carpet motifs, traditional architectural forms, and the distinctive color palette of Iranian art are seamlessly integrated into his modern compositions. His works thus serve as a cultural bridge—evoking a sense of familiarity and emotional connection for Iranian audiences while introducing non-Iranian viewers to a fresh and innovative experience of Eastern art. In Khorasani’s works, letters and words are not only carriers of meaning but also independent visual elements—creating a sensory and intellectual dialogue between form and content.
Looking Toward the Future
By merging tradition with modernity and form with content, Khorasani has created a visual language that transcends borders. His ongoing innovation and creative courage have opened a new path in the field of calligraphy-painting—a path rooted in Eastern traditions but expressed with a contemporary global vision. His work stands as both a reflection of Iran’s artistic history and a reimagining of the dialogue between East and West through a modern lens. Khorasani’s art is not only a tribute to the past but also a bold statement for the future—a testament to the timeless and universal power of artistic expression.