Amir Soghrati, Painter, curator, researcher, and art critic

Amir Soghrati‘s journey in the world of art and journalism is truly remarkable. Born and raised in Rasht until the age of 20, he embarked on a path that would lead him to become one of the most active and influential artists in Iran.

Graduating in journalistic graphics from the Journalism Research and Study Center in Tehran in 2002, Soghrati’s artistic pursuits have been diverse and extensive. He has made significant contributions to various fields of art, leaving a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Iran.

With 22 individual exhibitions and 169 group exhibitions held in Iran and abroad, Soghrati has showcased his talent and creativity to audiences around the world. His dedication to artistic expression extends beyond painting, as evidenced by his extensive writing portfolio comprising over 1000 articles, reports, reviews, and journalistic works since 1994.

Before transitioning to painting professionally, Soghrati made a name for himself as a caricaturist, earning prestigious accolades such as the supreme prize at the International Caricature Festival of Outstanding Characters in Romania. His talent was further recognized when he secured the third position in the list of 101 best caricaturists of the world selected by the Legal Network of Caricaturists of the World.

Although he eventually shifted his focus to painting, Soghrati‘s journalistic background provided a strong foundation for his research, criticism, and curatorial endeavors. He held prominent positions such as chairman of the Iranian Painters Association and chief editorial of Tandis Biweekly Magazine of Visual Arts. Additionally, he established platforms like “Gallery Exploring,” “Studio Exploring,” “Newswrite,” and “Incidentwrite,” further enriching the artistic discourse in Iran.

Soghrati‘s contributions extend beyond his individual pursuits, as he has actively participated in organizing and curating exhibitions, both in Iran and abroad. His involvement in cultural management and art consulting has been instrumental in fostering the growth and recognition of contemporary Iranian art on the global stage.

As a member of various esteemed councils and associations, including the Visual Art Council of the Iranian Artists Forum and the Council of Introduction of Iranian Artists to Venice Biennale 2019, Soghrati continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the contemporary art scene in Iran.

Furthermore, his passion for preserving the legacy of renowned artists is evident in his writings, with 13 published books that delve into the lives and works of influential figures such as Ali Nasir, Mohammad Rafie Ziaei, and Kioomars Kiasat.

Amir Soghrati‘s multifaceted contributions to the arts, journalism, and cultural discourse have solidified his position as a leading figure in the Iranian artistic community, leaving an indelible mark on its rich and vibrant heritage.