Available Works
Statement of Series:
Shahnameh, The Book of Kings
As an Iranian-American visual artist and storyteller, my creative practice is shaped by my experience as an immigrant, navigating and reconciling two distinct histories—Persian and Western. I am profoundly inspired by Persian classical narratives. By blending Western abstraction and surrealism with the intricate traditions of Persian miniature painting, I forge a hybrid visual language that bridges tradition and contemporary innovation. This approach allows me to explore themes of identity, belonging, war and conflict, peace and happiness, and transformation, creating a space where past and present coexist and inform one another.
Rashin Kheiriyeh
Me Time (Shahnameh), 2025
Mixed media
60 x 48 in
My new body of work draws deeply on the Shahnameh by the 10th-century Persian poet Ferdowsi. I am drawn to classical narratives because I see history as a guide—a light to help build a brighter future. For Iranians seeking freedom, I believe it is essential to honor and celebrate their history and legacy, and the Shahnameh serves as a roadmap to follow. This epic narrative inspires my exploration of war, conflict, and the cyclical nature of history. I am captivated by the dreamlike, surreal imagery of the text and the evolution of Persian miniature art from historical to contemporary forms. This series seeks to capture the recurring patterns of courage and resilience throughout over 2,500 years of Persian history, highlighting the strength and endurance embedded within cultural memory.
I work in oil, Indian ink, gold leaf, and woodblock printmaking on canvas—materials that allow me to layer meaning and texture, evoking both fragility and endurance. For this series, I brought traditional woodblock stamps from Isfahan’s bazaar to create ghalamkar-inspired textile patterns, connecting contemporary work to historic Persian craft.
Throughout my career, my work has been featured in The New Yorker and The New York Times, and I have authored and illustrated nearly 100 children’s books, including Rumi: Poet of Joy and Love and Rose Weaves a Garden. My work reflects an ongoing commitment to merging cultural motifs with artistic innovation, creating vibrant, imaginative works that engage diverse audiences. A career highlight includes my piece Cherry Garden, exhibited at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C.
ADVOCARTSY is a contemporary art platform specializing in Iranian contemporary art.
