Reza Mafi

Reza Mafi, a prominent painter and calligrapher, was born in Mashhad in 1943. From childhood, he learned calligraphy in Mashhad under Sadr al-Ketab. It's worth noting that Mafi's family background had a significant impact on the development of his artistic talent, and his brother was also a skilled calligrapher. At the age of 18, he moved to Tehran and continued his calligraphy studies there. His most important teacher during this period was Master Amirkhani, who was among his most influential instructors. With mastery of the principles of classical script and calligraphy, and a thorough understanding of modern painting and the artistic movements of the 1960s in Iran, Mafi moved towards his own unique creativity and expression.
It is worth mentioning that Mafi was also proficient in classical and contemporary poetry and literature, and traces of this knowledge have enriched his works. A number of Mafi's works are distinguished calligraphy, and this unique style of his became more prominent in the early 1970s. With mastery of Nasta'liq script and by creating free forms, he was able to blend these ancient traditions with the solid principles of global art. This prominent artist passed away at a young age in 1982, leaving behind an enduring legacy in Iranian art.

Sohrab Ahmadi