Alemeh Bagherian Iran, b. 1984

Alemeh Bagherian's works are rooted in a background informed by traditional Persian carpet design. Bagherian’s practice incorporates myth, imagery, and cultural memory, utilizing layers of Persian motifs, drawn largely from the Shahnameh Epic of Kings, onto paintings of sensual female figures, celebrating the enduring beauty and complexity of womanhood within Persian culture.

Written between 977 and 1010 by the poet Ferdowsi (b. 940 – d. 1020), the Shahnameh is regarded as a repository of Persian language and identity. Composed entirely of words of Persian origin and filled with chronicles of ancient Persian kings, the text emerged after the seventh-century Islamic conquest of Persia, during a period when Arab rulers attempted to suppress the Persian language in favor of Arabic.

Bagherian’s work draws from these narratives. By weaving Shahnameh imagery into her paintings, she affirms and reclaims her cultural heritage. Her meticulous attention to detail brings a captivating intricacy to each piece, while her figures convey a layered mix of sensuality, introspection, pleasure, and pain. 

Bagherian has presented numerous solo exhibitions internationally, including shows at the Women United Art Movement in Vémyslice, Czech Republic (2024); Seyhoun Art Gallery (2021, 2018, 2016); Liliya Art Gallery (2021); 1912 Gallery (2020); the International Izmir Art Biennial (2015); as well as exhibitions at Rooz Art Gallery, East Art Gallery, and Shahed Art Gallery in Tehran. Her work has also been widely included in group exhibitions such as East to West and Echoes of Persia at Parseen Art Gallery (2025, 2024); Rooted Trees organized by UNESCO (traveling); Artful Expression and Creative Iranian Women at the South Asia Institute; Women Life Freedom at A+C Gallery (2022); the World Art Exhibition at the Dubai World Trade Centre; Veiled Bodies at Liliya Art Gallery (London); exhibitions with Capital Art at Asia House in London; international exhibitions with LinArt in Istanbul; and the 4th Fajr International Festival of Visual Arts (2011). Alemeh Bagherian, was born in Ghaemshahr (Qaem Shahr), a coastal town in northern Iran along the Caspian Sea, she lives and works in Tehran. Bagherian is a member of the Society of Iranian Painters.