For Kazem Khorasani, letters have always been more than just symbols of communication—they are the essence of his artistic expression, the very fabric of his creative identity. Over nearly three decades, he has mastered the art of calligraphic painting, pushing its boundaries and cementing his place as one of Iran’s leading figures in the field. But his influence extends far beyond traditional calligraphy. With over 290 logo designs for major brands, 310 large-scale graphic and sculptural works, and the creation of his own signature style—“Contemporary Kufi”—Khorasani has continuously redefined the visual language of Persian art.
Dance with Me
A Dialogue Between East and West
What sets Khorasani apart is his ability to seamlessly merge the artistic traditions of the East with the expressive energy of the West. His work is not just a preservation of Persian calligraphy; it is a bold reinvention, a meeting point between heritage and modernity.
In 2015, Khorasani was selected by the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art for an artist residency at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris—a city that has long been a crucible for artistic exploration. The residency placed him in the midst of over 300 active artist studios, offering unparalleled exposure to the global art scene.
During his time in Paris, Khorasani immersed himself in the city’s museums, visiting over forty institutions, from the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay to the Centre Pompidou. This deep engagement with both classical and contemporary Western art reshaped his perspective. Upon returning to Iran, he created the “Lovesongs” series—a collection bursting with colour, movement, and an almost Expressionist approach to calligraphy. The series marked a departure from rigid calligraphic structures, embracing fluidity and emotion in ways rarely seen in Persian lettering.
Shahbanou Farah Pahlavi (The Queen of Iran — Pahlavi Dynesty) and Kazem Khorasani
A New Chapter in Calligraphic Art
Perhaps Khorasani’s most groundbreaking contribution to the field is his Contemporary Kufi style. Inspired by the rigid, angular forms of early Kufic script, he reimagined it with sweeping curves, dynamic compositions, and a heightened sense of abstraction. These new forms bridge the structured beauty of ancient script with the boundless potential of modern design. His approach transforms traditional calligraphy into something sculptural, almost architectural—where letters are no longer just carriers of meaning but independent visual entities.
Through Contemporary Kufi, Khorasani has created a universal visual language. His work resonates with those who understand the script and those who simply appreciate its form, blurring the lines between calligraphy, painting, and abstraction.
Spontaneity as an Artistic Philosophy
Beyond technique, one of the defining elements of Khorasani’s process is his embrace of spontaneity. He does not sketch or pre-plan his compositions; instead, the artwork unfolds organically in the moment. This approach gives his work a sense of immediacy—each brushstroke an unfiltered expression of movement and emotion.
Unlike classical calligraphy, which adheres to strict rules of proportion and symmetry, Khorasani allows imperfections to breathe life into his pieces. His paintings possess a raw energy, where speed, intuition, and natural errors become part of the final composition. This sense of controlled chaos is what makes his work so distinct—bridging the precision of tradition with the freedom of modern artistic expression.
Romantic conversation
Global Recognition and a Growing Legacy
Khorasani’s work has not only shaped the Iranian art scene but has also found a place on the international stage. His paintings have been exhibited in prestigious galleries such as Ikonica Gallery in Milan, Donna Child Gallery in Toronto, Blossom of Unity in London, and the Al Burda Festival in the UAE. His pieces have also appeared in high-profile auctions in Qatar and London, attracting collectors worldwide.
Some of his most notable patrons include Shahbanou Farah Pahlavi, Princess Khawla (daughter-in-law of Sheikh Zayed), the Iqbal family in Pakistan, Ali Daei, and art collectors from Italy, Canada, the UK, Qatar, and the US.
An Artist Rooted in Tradition, Looking Toward the Future
Despite his global success, Khorasani remains deeply connected to his Persian roots. His work subtly incorporates the intricate patterns of Iranian carpet weaving, the grandeur of Persian architecture, and the rich, emotive colours of miniature painting. These elements serve as cultural touchpoints, grounding his work in a tradition that feels both timeless and progressive.
For Iranian audiences, his pieces evoke a sense of familiarity and nostalgia. For international viewers, they offer a fresh, unexpected encounter with the art of the East, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens.
Khorasani stands at the intersection of past and future, tradition and innovation. He is not just a calligrapher or a painter—he is a visual storyteller, capturing the evolving dialogue between heritage and modernity, the East and the West. Through his work, Persian calligraphy is no longer confined to history books or sacred texts; it is alive, dynamic, and—most importantly—universal.