Mahmoud Farshchian was born on January 24, 1930 in Isfahan city, Iran.
Born into a family with a deep appreciation for art – his father was a Persian carpet merchant – Falcien had an early interest in painting. He studied under prominent masters such as Haji Mirza-Agha Emami and Isa Bahadori. After graduating from Isfahan’s art high school, he pursued further research in Europe, immersed himself in Western Masters’ works, and influenced his unique art style.
Farsian’s childhood home had an area called the Chicken House where he played with birds like sparrows, chickens and cocks. Birds are elements that the Farusians often use in his work, in relation to childhood memories.
Young Mahmoud showed an interest in the arts quite early in his life, studying for several years under the guidance of Haji Mirza Aga Emami and Isa Bahadri.
After receiving his diploma from Isfahan’s art high school, Falshuan left for Europe, where he learned the great Western paintings. He has a doctorate in Iranian painting and Islamic art (Grade 1 of Art) from the High Council’s Culture and Arts Council.
After returning to Iran, he began working at the National Institute of Arts (which later became the Ministry of Arts and Culture), and was eventually appointed as the National Faculty of Arts and Professor at the University of Tehran School of Art.
Farshchian’s work is characterized by vibrant colors, dynamic compositions, and a fusion of modern elements with traditional Persian miniature techniques. He introduces “surnaturalism,” a style that emphasizes etheric and spiritual themes, and often draws inspiration from Persian literature, mysticism and religious texts. His paintings often depict themes of love, spirituality and the human condition, resonating with a wide audience.
Faszcian’s first independent exhibition took place in 1948 at the office of the Iranian and British Cultural Associations in Isfahan. His first exhibition outside of Iran took place in Istanbul, Turkey in 1960, but the earliest exhibitions in the United States date back to 1972 and 1973.
The Master Mahmoud Falsch Museum is a museum dedicated to the work of a Master, founded by the Cultural Heritage Foundation of the Sadabad Cultural Complex in Tehran, which was established in 2001.
Throughout his career, Falshuan has established important academic positions, including a professor at the Art School at Tehran University and a leadership role at the National Institute of Art. He has exhibited his works at more than 150 solo and group exhibitions around the world, and his works are housed in renowned institutions such as the British Library, Freer Gallery of Art, Biblioteque National, Metropolitan Museum, and Harvard University.
In recognition of his contributions to the arts, Falshuan has received many awards, including Golden Palm of Europe (1987), Oscard Italy (1985), and Vessillo Europa Delle Arte (1984). In 2000, Cambridge University celebrated him as a distinguished intellectual of the 21st century.
Farsian’s influence surpasses his paintings. He founded a cultural center in New Jersey, which helped to introduce Iranian art to the international scene. His work continues to inspire artists and art lovers around the world, filling in cultural divisions and celebrating the rich heritage of Persian art.
UNESCO publishes selected paintings of Falcien
UNESCO published selected paintings by Falsian in Germany in 1991. The collection features 113 artworks from renowned artists. The Master presented the book “To All the Good-Intentional People of the World” in an introduction to 36 languages.
The global cultural organization also published paintings by a Master, selected in Italy in 2003. Later, the director of UNESCO Koichiro Matsuura wrote an introduction to the valuable collection consisting of 97 works of art.
In an interview he said, “The Iranian people love culture and I try to tell everyone around the world that Iran is a land of peace and friendship.”
Master miniatureist Mahmoud Falsian created “Ashura’s Evening” to portray one of the greatest tragedies for Muslims and to represent the power of art to represent the major events of history.
The masterpiece depicts the helpless household of Imam Hussein (AS) who mourns after his horse returns from the battlefield. Their deep sorrow for their beloved people is fully depicted in this Persian miniature painting.
He is recognized as the most important modernization influence in miniatures. His name has been placed on the UK list of outstanding intellectuals of the 2000 years of the 21st century, and collectors feel it is a great honor to own one of his works.
To learn more and see his work, visit his official website farshchianart.com.
sauce
Edited by Marzieh Rahmani