Biography

Iranian born artist, Mohammad Hourian, has studied and work in the ancient art of miniature since he was 12 years old. Under the tutelage of Iran's most famous miniaturist, Hourian studied this unique tradition employing arabesque, linear detail, fantasy color and delicate form, and he honed his own imaginative and original style. The quality of his paintings immediately conveys an elevated sense of whimsy and lyrical movement, balanceing expert craftsmanship and cultural precision with simmering, transcendental images that have been aptly called "perceptual fantasy." As the viewer follows the rhythms of flight along the canvasses, the redolent images leap playfully, and reverse and flow with the viewer's own imagination.

While Hourian works primarily with watercolors on canvas, his other mediums include paper, wood, silk and leather. According to the artist,"The watercolors, as well as the silk colors are harmonics with delicate washes and vigorous lines, depicting traditional Persian subjects." Hourian creates a deep sense of romanticism with his unique approach. In his painting "G Clef," Hourian decorates the graceful musical sign with lovers delicately intertwined with the musical symbol. When questioned, Hourian reveals he studied music for a brief period and became enchanted with the G Clef. "I play with it in my art, and particularly in my jewelry design," says Hourian.

Hourian jewelry, created in 14KT or 18KT gold captures the romantic fantasy of his paintings. The pendant "Two Phoenixes Kissing" forms a heart created from the melding of wings - a symbol of rebirth, love and life. His logo incorporates a flying horse representing freedom and a deer symbolizing innocence, moving together as they hold the Earth rotating on its axis.

Hourian has also had his designs transformed into ornamental rugs, a detailed process that takes as long as five months to complete. For this reason "Dreams of Five Seasons" which was recently made into a carpet is in a limited edition of seven. Fortunately, the original watercolor with genuine gold highlights has also been made into lithographs. Each one is numbered and painted with gold leaf, making every piece absolutely unique.

Awarded the Gold Medal at the Institute of Tehran Exhibit in 1975, Hourian also won the First Prize at the Tehran Painters Exhibit in 1976. That same year, his first exhibit in Germany at the Goethe Institute was highly praised in the German press. He achieved a BA from the University of Tehran in 1977 and taught at the University the following year. At the age of 19, he won public recognition in his first one-man show at the Gallery of Tehran. At age 20, he became the youngest Inranian artist to be elected to the National Academy of Fine Arts.

The 1993/94 Printworld Directory of Contemporary Prints details Hourian's accomplishments and displays his art. In addition, his works ar exhibited worldwide. Collectors and admirers introduced to his art years ago in Europe, Iran or Japan, can today visit Hourian's personal gallery in San Francisco, the Hourian Fine Art Gallery on Union Street, which has been in operation for over 7 years. Colelctors often comment that even after owning a Hourian painting for several years, they constantly discover new hidden symbols within the piece.

Because of his interest in other artist's work, Hourian hosts the work of a diverse group of artists from the US, Europe and Iran. For the first time last summer, he offered painting lessons for children, providing them with an opportunity to express themselves through artistic and creative channels. An overwhelming response made him decide to offer the classes again this summer.

Hourian's plans for the future include travel to Iran with his new bride. He says new love has inspired new artistic ideas and he plans to create a book to be published by Hourian's Fine Art Publishing Company which will expand upon his original "Dreams of Reality in Persian Art."

Both in his personal life and in his artistic life, Hourian is a visionary. "I view my life with the eye of the optimist - this finds expression throughout my work. I don't believe in limitations in art or in life, because if one believes thtat the limit has been reached there can be no inspiration, no joy - and they are the true essence of art, as in life."