Alireza Astaneh

Iran | 1982

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Artworks (33)

Exhibitions (16)

At Auction (23)

Performance

About Alireza Astaneh

Alireza Astaneh is a contemporary Iranian calligrapher, painter, and sculptor. Known for his mastery in calligraphy, Astaneh has also ventured into painting. However, his most significant contribution to contemporary Iranian art lies in his ability to extend the art of calligraphy into the realm of sculpture, creating calligraphy-based sculptures. Aydin Aghdashloo has recognized him as one of the most important figures in modern Iranian calligraphy.

In 1997, Astaneh received the prestigious rank from the Iranian Calligraphers Association. In 2008, his works were featured in the group exhibition "Great Masters of Nastaliq" at the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art. His first solo exhibition took place in 2011 at Homa Gallery, and he has maintained an ongoing collaboration with the gallery since then. His works have been displayed in international exhibitions in cities like Geneva, Paris, Dubai, and Vienna. Some of Astaneh's pieces are part of the Lulu Al-Sabah collection and the Agricultural Bank's treasury.

Astaneh has played a crucial role in reviving the nail script, a forgotten technique of Iranian calligraphy from the Safavid era. This method involves calligraphers using their fingernails instead of pens, creating embossed designs on paper that are visible from certain angles under sunlight, giving them a unique and beautiful appearance. This distinctive quality of the nail script inspired him to transition from flat calligraphy to creating three-dimensional spaces. He arranges letters into minimalist three-dimensional volumes, with some of his most famous works being spheres and columns formed from these letter motifs.

Aydin Aghdashloo writes about Astaneh: "He is a skilled and accomplished calligrapher. His interest in nail script is not just to showcase his extraordinary skill and technical prowess but also to explore new and unique compositions. Alongside lines and pieces of Nastaliq, he focuses on broken Nastaliq compositions, creating intricate and complex designs. His work, especially in broken Nastaliq scripts, is eloquent, strong, and delicate."

The Most Expensive Artwork

From the Function of Flowers Series

Realized Price

At Auctions

First Attendance

4 November 2011

# Attendance

# Artworks

Average Realized Price

8,743 USD

Average Min Estimate

6,254 USD

Average Max Estimate

8,617 USD

Sell-through Rate

86.364%

Average Growth of Artwork Worth

35.478%

Timeline

All Art Fairs Auctions Exhibitions

2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011