Behrooz

Valiani

Behrooz Valiani was born in Esfahan, Iran, in April 1979. At the early age of 12, he would accompany his sister to art classes under the instruction of
Ismail Zada, when he first took a great liking to art. However, his family was opposed to him following his passion for art, and since the age of 16 he has
chosen his path in the world of art without the approval of his family.
After earning a Degree in Architecture from Esfahan Art College, and without any professional guidance, Valiani had his first solo show at the age
of 21 at the famous Ali Ghapour Hotel in Esfahan. The show was a total sell out with one German collector purchasing the whole collection so he could
show the paintings back in Germany. At that time, religion was very influential in Valiani’s work, with a majority of available work being
miniatures, calligraphy and copper rubbings.
The minimalist style and technique of Behrooz Valiani is uniquely amazing for someone with his background. His subject matter is mysterious and
forbidden, which drives him to think on a new and untapped level. Behrooz paints women in what seems to be a peaceful, cloud-like dream...using a
first class understanding of human anatomy and of color, he brings a refreshing simplicity while never sacrificing the depth of his work.
Living in the most religious cities throughout Iran has its challenges as it has become too difficult to show his paintings. Most of the women living in the
area are completely covered up in their hijabs and only their faces are what’s exposed for all to see. Behrooz’s paintings are a cry against the tyranny and
religious pressure he has been exposed to. In reference to his work Behrooz states “I will show you everything in regards to the female figure, but I will
not show you their face.”
This series of paintings cannot be shown in Iran due to their religious guidelines. Therefore, ABRA Gallery’s founder, Kaveh Abrishami, was
forced to smuggle the paintings out of the country in order to exhibit Behrooz Valiani’s work throughout South Florida.