Mohammad Hossein Maher, acclaimed as the "painter of the south," was a multifaceted artist, sculptor, and educator, born in Abadan. His artistic journey commenced in his teenage years when he was introduced to Shahab Mousavizadeh's studio by his relative, Mahmoud Dolatabadi, igniting his passion for painting and drawing. Maher's formal education in the arts began in 1976 when he enrolled in the Faculty of Fine Arts, where he studied painting under the tutelage of esteemed mentors such as Hossein Kazemi, Mohammad Ebrahim Jafari, and Gholam Hossein Nami.

During his academic years, Maher's social and political consciousness became evident, culminating in his thesis project, "Meeting in the Coal Mine," where he documented the harsh conditions and struggles of miners. Following graduation, he briefly taught design until the cultural revolution disrupted his academic pursuits. Subsequently, he served as a soldier in Ahvaz during the early years of the war, an experience that deeply impacted him, witnessing firsthand the violence and destruction of war.

In 1985, a year after his marriage to Parisa Sheibani, Maher embarked on a transformative journey to France, where he enrolled at the University of Paris 8 to further hone his skills in painting and immerse himself in the study of Iranian art. However, his studies were interrupted as he returned to Iran in 1987, marking the onset of his "Southern Period." This decade-long revelation saw Maher exploring different regions of Iran, particularly the southern areas and the Persian Gulf, initially aiming to capture native art but eventually transcending into mythological archetypes. Maher's introspective reflection on his experiences in the south led to profound insights into the gap between reality and artistic representation, as he grappled with the nuances of culture, climate, and human interaction.

From the mid-90s, Maher's artistic journey took on mythological and theological dimensions, as he delved into concepts such as Mehr, Adam, and Eve, giving rise to his "angels" period. Subsequent periods saw Maher's exploration of themes such as masks and plant motifs, interspersed with social and political commentary, evidenced by collections such as "Shock" and "Monument." His later collection, "Stairs," continued his exploration of societal themes, imbued with a melancholic narrative that spoke to the complexities of human existence.

Mohammad Hossein Maher's artistic legacy endures through his profound exploration of mythological, social, and existential themes, leaving an indelible mark on the Iranian art landscape.