Abol Bahadori

Abol Bahadori commenced his artistic journey at a young age, drawing inspiration from the vibrant carpets of his native Tabriz, Azerbaijan, Iran. His formative years included residence in France and England. He obtained a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts and Textile Design as well as a master's degree in Digital Application Design from The University of Manchester, UK, before relocating to the US in the early 1990s. As a multifaceted artist, he has explored fabric and graphic design, art direction, and creative consulting, with a focus on fine arts and painting. More recently, Bahadori has integrated his digital and traditional art-making skills through innovative methods of collaging and layering. His dynamic abstract and surreal creations, reflecting multicultural influences, have garnered acclaim through solo shows, group exhibitions, and art fairs, earning numerous awards from local and international jurors. Additionally, he has been featured by esteemed international galleries including ArtRewards (Oslo, Norway), Singulart (Paris, France), and SAACHI Art (London, UK).

Portal Mystique

The Influence of Cultural Background on Artistic Expression

Abol is a mixed-media colorist artist residing and working in Northern Virginia near Washington DC, USA. His background and training have contributed to his development as a colorist with a strong inclination towards experimenting with various media. He was born in Tabriz, the capital city of Iranian Azerbaijan, known for its historical significance as a Silk Road hub. Tabriz is renowned for its carpets, mosaics, and miniatures, which Abol studied at a young age. His exposure to diverse art and cultures began during his childhood when his family temporarily relocated to France. After completing high school in Tabriz, Abol pursued his Bachelor's in Fine Arts and Textiles and Master's in Digital Application Design for Textiles at The University of Manchester, UK. In the 1990s, he relocated to the Washington DC area and received training from the founders of Washington Color School, which significantly influenced his creative development, particularly in his approach to color and its emotional impact.

Artists Who Have Shaped Abol Bahadori's Creative Vision

In chronological order, early Northern Renaissance artists, including Jan van Eyck known for his use of Cartesian coordinates to depict depth, Kamāl ud-Dīn Behzād, a 15-16th century miniaturist from Tabriz, for his use of space, Jean-Antoine Watteau for his depiction of personas and compositions, Post-Impressionists, and Matisse for their influence on form, László Moholy-Nagy, particularly his Z VII (1926) which inspired Abol's Architectural series, American abstract expressionists such as Joan Mitchell, Helen Frankenthaler, and Richard Diebenkorn known for their compositions, mark making and color palettes, and Washington Color School artists, especially Sam Gillian, who provided training and critique sessions in person. Among contemporary artists, Julie Mehretu, Jadé Fadojutimi, Wangechi Mutu, and llana Savdie have also made an impact with their themes and techniques.

The Versatility of Mixed Media Art

Abol Bahadori employs a diverse array of media and continually explores new ones based on the requirements of the work. Rather than favoring specific media, he is inclined towards employing unconventional combinations to achieve distinct effects. One of his favored experimental techniques involves layering watercolor and spray paint, both in dry and wet states, to observe their repellent interaction. This method has been consistently applied in his Perspective series. The transition between digital and analog painting, known as multimedia, is particularly effective in his Architectural series. At times, he superimposes pigment prints of digital collages, while on other occasions, he digitally manipulates images of analog paintings before printing and painting over them. Additionally, he favors using oil and pastel on top of acrylic, creating custom stencils for patterns and collages. Abol remains abreast of innovations in art supplies. The introduction of acrylic gels for surface building, such as pastel and absorbent grounds, along with a variety of fixatives and varnishes, now enables a more extensive range of mixed media, a prospect that was not feasible two decades ago. This approach has been applied in the Figurative and Inner Gardens collections, including works such as Mentation, Unveiling, Winter Refuge, and Uplift, to further enhance the perception of space.

The Impact of Personal Experiences on Artistic Creation

Abol, the artist, is deeply intrigued by the concept of the void between the known and the unknown, which serves as a primary wellspring of inspiration. Art, for Abol, acts as a portal to the subconscious, with color serving as a pivotal element in the artistic process. This process entails a spontaneous journey through colors and forms, drawing influence from nature, architecture, and dreams. The resulting forms are intended to serve as a conduit, providing observers with access to the unknown or the forgotten.

The Influence of Art on Cultural Identity

According to Abol Bahadori, creativity is deemed a fundamental human requirement, akin to the necessities of air, water, and sustenance. It is regarded as an innate urge within individuals prior to its broader societal significance. This creative inclination is inherent in every individual, whether manifested through visual arts, poetry, or music. At a societal and global level, art serves as a reflection of the prevailing zeitgeist and the convictions of communities. Abol consistently explores novel avenues for perceiving and articulating while subconsciously attuning to the collective consciousness.

Defining Success as an Artist

When considering success, Abol emphasizes the significance of self-satisfaction as the primary criterion. He prioritizes deriving enjoyment from the process and finding fulfillment in his work. Should a sense of obligation arise, Abol recognizes the absence of something essential and chooses to pause, either recommencing the endeavor or resuming at a later time. Ultimately, he deems his art successful when each observer identifies their own narrative within it and establishes a profound connection with the self and the universe. Through the act of listening to the interpretations of his paintings by others, Abol remains consistently surprised by the revelations of our shared collective memory. He asserts that sales should not be the sole determinant of success, highlighting that inferior art can outsell superior art.

The Influence of Art on Creativity

Abol Bahadori asserts that art has the potential to influence various facets of life, as his creative impulse is integral to his existence. In addition to his artistic pursuits, Abol generates income through his involvement in graphic design and by serving as a creative consultant on a contractual basis, both of which are inherently creative endeavors. Having engaged in painting since childhood, he has never known a life devoid of art. Consequently, he humbly acknowledges the possibility that he may lack the requisite qualification to address certain inquiries.

The Role of Practice and Persistence in Artistic Development

Abol Bahadori has consistently pursued the development of his artistic skills through participation in art classes, workshops, and residencies. He is situated within the Torpedo Factory Art Center, located in Alexandria, Virginia, near Washington, DC, which encompasses The Art League school and gallery. Following a rigorous jury process, Abol has secured a studio within the same complex. The facility is open to the public daily from 10 am to 6 pm, affording visitors the opportunity to observe his artistic process. Furthermore, Abol actively seeks to refine his technical skills by learning from other artists and through a process of trial and error.

Art as a Tool for Social Change

As a colorist, Abol Bahadori strongly advocates for the therapeutic power of colors. He has donated or sold some of his works to hospitals, therapy and yoga centers, and child and elderly care centers, with the intention of providing comfort and reassurance through his art. In addition to chromotherapy, Abol evokes environmental and societal awareness. His Inner Gardens collection portrays nature and plant life reclaiming abandoned buildings, which resonates with ecological consciousness. The McLean Project for the Arts selected and curated this collection for Abol's Spring 2024 solo show in Northern Virginia, US, receiving numerous favorable reviews. 

Abol's most recent painting, Tracked & Traced, from his Figurative series, aims to raise awareness regarding the increasing loss of privacy due to online tracking and public cameras, particularly in certain countries. Furthermore, Abol regularly donates his paintings for auctions to raise funds for various humanitarian causes. His most recent auction, facilitated through The Marshall Legacy Institute, raised funds to train dogs to detect and remove landmines in wartorn countries.

Inner Garden

Navigating the Art Market

Abol Bahadori has expressed a desire for a more organized and professional art industry, citing the current state as scattered and lacking in organization. He emphasized the importance of exercising vigilance in selecting professional collaborators. He indicated that he has cultivated strong working relationships with reputable galleries, art fairs, and art auctions that adhere to rigorous selection processes and whose aesthetic aligns with his art. Additionally, he disclosed a departure from certain organizations following changes in their business model, particularly when they transitioned to accepting art without a stringent jury process in favor of higher membership or submission fees. This shift, in his view, prioritizes financial gain over the promotion and sale of high-quality art.

Exploring the Emotional Impact of Professional Art

According to Abol Bahadori, his established status as an artist has led to receiving invitations from art auctions, galleries, and fairs to participate with minimal or no cost. Additionally, he has been honored with best-in-show and honorary awards, totaling eight within a year, and has acquired a studio in a prominent public art space. Despite these accomplishments, Abol expresses a heightened level of self-imposed expectations, accompanied by a fear of failure that surpasses his comfort zone. Consequently, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus on enjoying the creative process and producing art for personal fulfillment rather than succumbing to external competition or expectations.

The Impact of Criticism on Artists

Abol is pleased to announce that his spring 2024 solo exhibition garnered a favorable review from Mark Jenkins, the esteemed art critic at The Washington Post. Featured in the May 31-June 2, 2024 weekend issue, Jenkins’ critique adeptly encapsulates the essence of Abol's artist statement. The review emphasizes the exhibition's exploration of the intriguing space between the recognizable and the unfamiliar, encouraging viewers to engage with their inner consciousness. Abol expresses deep gratitude for the insightful analysis and the opportunity to connect with the audience through his work. Additionally, Abol's art has been featured on the covers of several local and national magazines by invitation over the past 12 months.

Artistic Reputation and Recognition

According to Abol Bahadori, it is his practice to review his pricing formula annually and make updates as necessary. He also acknowledges the assistance provided by galleries in establishing the appropriate pricing. The primary determinants of pricing are sales, recognition, and the principles of supply and demand. Recently, considerations have been made for inflation and the escalated costs of materials. Previously, an endeavor was made to maintain a consistent final price for all paintings, irrespective of the varying commission rates, shipping costs, and sales tax across private and public galleries, and differing regulations across states and countries. However, it has been recognized that only the studio price can be kept fixed, while additional costs need to be incorporated accordingly. Regrettably, international online galleries lack a standardized formula, and price fluctuations are inevitable irrespective of the pricing strategy. This phenomenon is also observed in price-controlled commodities such as oil and food. It is hoped that art buyers will conscientiously consider the inclusion of shipping costs and commissions across diverse platforms and galleries, recognizing that these factors are beyond the artist's control.

The Business of Art

According to Abol, his primary objective over the past five years has been to diminish the amount of time allocated to graphic design and creative consultation, allocate more time to painting, and secure a studio within a public art center. While he has already attained these goals, this arrangement is still relatively novel. Abol does not intend to establish another objective in the near future, opting instead to familiarize himself with the intricacies of managing a public studio. Following each accomplishment, he endeavors to set increasingly ambitious targets and meticulously scrutinize and enhance his shortcomings.

The Impact of Work-Life Balance on Artistic Output

Abol Bahadori, an artist, continues to grapple with the challenge of harmonizing his life, primarily due to the captivating allure of creativity. Succumbing to the immersive nature of the artistic process often leads to neglect of rest and exercise, fostering a sense of isolation. However, engagement within a public art community center has offered a degree of solace through increased social interaction. Adhering to designated studio hours and abstaining from continuing work at home has been a conscious effort to address this struggle.

Abol Bahadori's Message to the Artists

"I enjoy learning from other artists myself! For beginners in this field, I recommend applying to as many open calls as possible and not limiting it to nearby or familiar galleries. I have to admit that I haven't consistently done this myself because it takes time to find, test, and apply to new places. I want to emphasize that I don't consider rejection after submission a failure. It's a good practice to embrace as many rejections as you can. You will be surprised by many unexpected acceptances and awards."

Experience the brilliance of Abol Bahadori's amazing work.