Biography
Born in Tehran, Persia (Iran) in 1965, Mehdi Arami embarked on his artistic journey at Azad University, where he studied painting under renowned Persian masters. In 1994, due to political circumstances, he relocated to the Netherlands, a country known for its artistic freedom and cultural diversity. He graduated from the Constantijn Huygens Art Academy in 2000, specializing in illustration.
Arami’s artistic practice spans painting, digital manipulation, dance, theater, and set design. From 2003 to 2009, he founded and choreographed the Parwaz Aram dance group, performing at prestigious venues such as the Museum Volkenkunde in Leiden and the World Forum in The Hague. His ability to merge visual and performing arts has been a defining aspect of his career.
Beyond his own artistic practice, Arami has been deeply engaged in art education. He has taught painting, sculpture, and illustration in schools and community groups, sharing his knowledge and fostering artistic expression among young talents. Over the years, he has participated in numerous exhibitions across galleries and museums, both in the Netherlands and internationally.
His work is a continuous exploration of identity, displacement, and cultural heritage, often reflecting his Persian roots through a contemporary lens. As a multidisciplinary artist, Arami remains dedicated to pushing artistic boundaries, whether through visual storytelling, performance, or collaborative cultural projects.
2003 – Study trip, United States (Colorado, California)
1995-2000 – Fine Arts & Design, Constantijn Huygens Art Academy, Kampen (Illustrative Design)
1991-1993 – Study trip & residency, Japan
1989-1991 – Free University, Tehran, Iran (Painting & Drawing)
Exhibitions (Selection)
2023 Daily Defiance, The Hague
2017 Galerie Blue Sense, The Hague
2015 Ghasr, Galerie Blue Sense, The Hague
2012 Ritual Art, Amsterdam, Galerie Arti-Brak, Voorburg Art/Music Project, 5e Kwaertier, Haarlem & Alkmaar
2011 Liteside Festival, Amsterdam
2010 Café Naderi, Kunstuitleen Almere, Galerie Arti-Brak, Voorburg
2009 Music Theatre Stopera, Amsterdam
2008 Human Rights Day, Groothandelsgebouw, Rotterdam, Theater group Moch be Dastan, Iranian Theater Festival, Paris
2007 Art project with exhibition & dance performance at World Forum, The Hague Artistic leader, choreographer & set designer of Norouz celebration, Rijksmuseum voor Volkenkunde, Leiden, Participation in Russian theater production Snegoerotsjka, Theater Spui, The Hague
2006 Show Your Hope, international art project, Mondiale Mobile Exposition, Dance performance Parvaz Aram at Nijmegen Four-Day Marches Festival, Artistic leader, choreographer & set designer of Norouz celebration, Rijksmuseum voor Volkenkunde, Leiden
2005 Museum Hillesluis, Rotterdam, Artistic leader of International Symposium on Human Rights, University of Amsterdam
2004 Dance performance Parvaz Aram, Show Your Art Festival, Delft2003Wereldmuseum, Rotterdam
2002 Galerie Arti, The Hague, Galerie Het Langhuis, Zwolle
2001 Havengalerie, Rotterdam, Galerie Arti et Industriae, The Hague, Art Fair AHOY, Rotterdam
2000 Naturally Human, Stedelijk Museum, Zwolle
Other Artistic Activities
2022 – Acting roles in films English Breakfast & Shadow on the Wall
2012-2017 – Founder of Gallery Blue Sense, The Hague
2003-2010 – Founder of Parwaz Aram Dance & Theater Group
1998-2010 – Art teacher, own studio in The Hague & Delft
2010-2015 – Member of Werkelijkheid Artists' Group
2009-present – Founder of Blue Sense Art & Cultural Foundation
2007-2011 – Freelance teacher at ID College & Horizon College
2005-2017 – Organizer of Poetry Evenings, The Hague & Delft
2003-2010 – Co-founder of Art & Cultural Association ART HUIS, Delft