Mohammad Ali Shivai (Kakou), an Iranian modernist painter, was born in Shiraz. In 1955, he went to the Fine Arts Academy in Tehran and started his art studies. After completing the three-year course in that school, he was awarded first place among the students in 1958, and in the same year, he went to Paris and studied at the Beaux-Arts de Paris.

Being in the capital of modernism, he got acquainted with the teachings of Art Nouveau. Kakou began his career experimenting with impressionist and post-impressionist styles, but later turned to cubism. He is known as one of the pioneers of Iran's modern art and as one of the first artists interested in cubism and collage in Iran.

He also had unique experiences in working with different materials among Iranian modernist painters; Many of his paintings are created by gluing pieces of fabric. The themes and atmosphere of his works took on an oriental color due to the mystical thoughts of the artist. In addition to exhibitions in Italy, France, and Greece, this artist has exhibited his works in 12 solo and group exhibitions since 1971. The first solo exhibition of his works, which included his collage works, was held in 1971, which played an important role in introducing this technique to the artistic community of Iran.

His artistic activities continued until the beginning of 1980s, but with a sudden decision, he returned to his hometown, Shiraz, and stopped working for ten years. In 1992, he returned to the professional art field and resumed representing his works, and this routine continued until 2005, when Kakou died. Sohrab Sepehri, Kakou's close friend, used to hang his paintings on the simple wall of his room. His blue room has been recreated with Kakou's beautiful paintings in Kerman Contemporary Art Museum.