Mahmood Sabzi | Abstract Impressionist painter

Born in Ahwaz, Iran, Mahmood Sabzi Iranian painter, started painting at the age of twelve; encouraged in his early progression as an artist by his parents and inspiring teachers.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering at the University of Jundi Shapur.

"The best part of agriculture was the purity of its primal spaces", he says, explaining his early sensitivity to artistic concepts.

An accomplished abstract painter, Sabzi's passion for the spiritual is represented in the open spaces, symbolism and intricate patterns that make up the backgrounds of his compositions.

Juxtaposing the complex feelings, body language and attitudes of his predominantly female figures against a backdrop of shapes and forms in space, Sabzi uses texture, lines and color to make artistic statements about love and beauty.

Initially, Sabzi made realistic paintings inspired by his country's history and culture. He went to exile during the regime of Ruhollah Khomeini, settling in Germany and the United States. During this period, he experimented with figurative and abstract styles.

He eventually settled in southern California. Each of his moves was reflected in changes in his style to reflect changes in his environment.

Inspiration

According to Sabzi, he draws inspiration from the Persian rugs created by his mother.

- "My artistic inspiration, the very basis of form and color for my work, comes from my childhood memories of Persian rugs designed and weaned by my mother. As I watched her for hours creating gorgeous patterns, hues and textures, her fingers dancing across the loom, the designs and shapes of my current work took form".

"My creations flow from the same source of energy and creativity that inspired my mother".

Sabzi's painting style is influenced by the Modernist works of Paul Cézanne and Henri Matisse, as well as by the poet Rumi.

Majority of his works feature women in various moods and poses, implying internal conflict. | © Wikipedia