Mehrdad Rahbar is a self-trained artist, born in the Imperial State of Iran, migrated to Montreal and now lives and works in Vancouver, Canada.
Rahbar studied Architecture at McGill University in Montreal, where his art and design teacher, Gentile Tondino discovered his unique painting style. Later, Tondino taught him limited lessons on different theories, techniques and ideas in painting.
In his work, Mehrdad often uses symbolism and historic expressions to manifest a deeper meaning to objects and people within the context of social and political norms of his time.
He embodies the intense emotional contrast between beauty versus ugliness, good versus evil and juxtostiposition of surreal and real world are expressed and visualized throughout his art.
His body of work is deeply influenced by the twentieth century art scenes, contemporary literature, calligraphy, architecture, the Iranian revolution, and social conditions in his surrounding environment.
Rahbar believes architecture gifted him the creativity, construction gave him the discipline, painting awarded him with freedom, and sculpture explored his bravery.
Cultural and geographical transformation of Mehrdad from Iran to Canada can be seen in most of his work.
In the Media
An Art Piece for the World | ESSENCEtial Conversations | When Women Rise Sculpture
