Shahpour Pouyan, born in Iran in 1979, is an accomplished artist known for his profound exploration of power dynamics, domination, and cultural possession through art. He holds an MFA in Integrated Practices and New Forms from Pratt Institute, New York, and an MFA in Painting from Tehran University of Art. Pouyan's educational background also includes studies in Neoplatonic Philosophy at the Iranian Institute of Philosophy and a diploma in Math and Physics from Elmieh School in Tehran. He taught art history and Persian architecture history at Science and Culture University in Tehran from 2007 to 2009 before relocating to New York, where he currently resides and works.

Pouyan's artistic journey is deeply rooted in transforming historical and political complexities into visually and poetically compelling forms. His work often reflects on the recurrence of historical errors, utilizing historical aesthetics and mediums within a contemporary context. His inspiration is drawn from the intersection of power dynamics, historical documentation, and the existential dimensions of the human condition.

Internationally recognized, Pouyan has exhibited at prestigious biennials such as Lahore Biennial (Pakistan), Beijing Biennale (China), British Museum (London), and Kochi-Muziris Biennale (India). His artworks are featured in notable public and private collections including The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The British Museum.

Among his notable solo exhibitions are "Cyclupses in Doubt, Observing the West" at Tokyo Gallery + BTAP (Tokyo, Japan), "249 Kilometers by 68 Meters" at Nathalie Obadiah Gallery (Paris, France), and "Skyhigh Is My Place" at Museum Dhondt-Dhaenens (Ghent, Belgium). He has also participated in significant group exhibitions such as "Strange Clay: Ceramics in Contemporary Art" at Hayward Gallery (London, UK) and "Rebel, Jester, Mystic, Poet: Contemporary Persians" at Asia Society Museum (New York City, USA).

Pouyan's accolades include being shortlisted for the Victoria and Albert Museum Prize (London, UK), receiving the Civitella Ranieri Fellowship for Visual Arts (Umbria, Italy), and participating in esteemed residencies including International Cité des Arts (Paris, France) and the Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts (New York City, USA).

His contributions to contemporary art have been widely covered in publications globally, reflecting his significant impact on the art world's discourse on power, culture, and historical narratives.