Mehdi Saeedi ENG
GuestRoomMaribor2011
Mehdi Saeedi (IR)
Mehdi Saeedi studied graphic design at Malek-Ashtar University in Tehran and went on to study at Cambridge University, where he graduated with a BA in Art and Design. He then worked as creative director of the Asre-e-Jadid advertising agency until he set up his own graphic design studio in 1998. His client list includes some of the most prominent cultural (such as the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art and the Academy of Arts) and music centres in Iran, as well as clients from the film industry. He has participated in numerous exhibitions nationally and internationally and has received numerous awards for his work.
His work mixes tradition with contemporary expression, which makes him distinctive. His creations are characterised by minimalism, sophisticated and stylised shapes and a mixture of different calligraphic patterns (inspired by the rich traditions of his country) that make the whole look luxurious and rich.
During his residency, he exhibited his posters at the Vetrinj Mansion and also gave a lecture on design and calligraphy, where he had the opportunity to present his work in more detail.
Given his cultural background, intercultural exchange was an important aspect of his residency in Maribor. On the one hand, it allows for an exchange of views and opinions (both on an artistic and social level), but on the other hand, it offers new sources of inspiration, opens up new possibilities and contributes to a more holistic view of the world.
The result of his residency was a black and white poster called Peace, which depicts a stylised image of a pigeon with a snake's tail. The choice of the poster's colour scheme (or lack thereof) emphasises the sharpness of its message, which is further enhanced by the depiction of a recognisable symbol. The symbolism is then interrupted by the bird's snake tail, which introduces a new level of meaning and expands the possibilities of interpretation. The difference between one pole and the other is further emphasised by the patterns that mark the body of this unusual creature, which are also the artist's signature.
"My trip to Maribor was full of beautiful, unforgettable moments. As an artist, I managed to connect with the city and its atmosphere. The month I spent here was an opportunity I had wanted for a long time. The city is full of beautiful views and has a calm energy that allowed me to be deeply focused on my project. I hope to return to Maribor in the future. "
Text: dr Maja Pardeilhan
His work mixes tradition with contemporary expression, which makes him distinctive. His creations are characterised by minimalism, sophisticated and stylised shapes and a mixture of different calligraphic patterns (inspired by the rich traditions of his country) that make the whole look luxurious and rich.
During his residency, he exhibited his posters at the Vetrinj Mansion and also gave a lecture on design and calligraphy, where he had the opportunity to present his work in more detail.
Given his cultural background, intercultural exchange was an important aspect of his residency in Maribor. On the one hand, it allows for an exchange of views and opinions (both on an artistic and social level), but on the other hand, it offers new sources of inspiration, opens up new possibilities and contributes to a more holistic view of the world.
The result of his residency was a black and white poster called Peace, which depicts a stylised image of a pigeon with a snake's tail. The choice of the poster's colour scheme (or lack thereof) emphasises the sharpness of its message, which is further enhanced by the depiction of a recognisable symbol. The symbolism is then interrupted by the bird's snake tail, which introduces a new level of meaning and expands the possibilities of interpretation. The difference between one pole and the other is further emphasised by the patterns that mark the body of this unusual creature, which are also the artist's signature.
"My trip to Maribor was full of beautiful, unforgettable moments. As an artist, I managed to connect with the city and its atmosphere. The month I spent here was an opportunity I had wanted for a long time. The city is full of beautiful views and has a calm energy that allowed me to be deeply focused on my project. I hope to return to Maribor in the future. "
Text: dr Maja Pardeilhan