Hessam Abrishami – Contemporary Master Artist
Hessam’s process is intuitive by nature. He approaches a canvas with no direct idea of the composition, palette or artistic fundamentals. He comes from a place in his heart, a place of emotion wherein a feeling is expressed.
THE WORLD IS BEAUTIFUL AND FULL OF COLOR. I SEE COLOR AS A LANGUAGE. IT SPEAKS TO ME AND I TALK BACK WITH MY ART.
Born in the ancient center of the Persian Empire in the town of Shiraz, Iran in 1951 the roots of an enlightening heritage are deep within Hessam Abrishami. It is indisputable that the abundant history and enriching ways of this great land have upheld a legacy of traditions both cultural and artistic. The impact of such flourishing surroundings is immeasurable.
He starts with a single stroke of color applied to the canvas. He stays within the emotion he desires to share, holding that feeling in his heart. As he applies the colors that best express those feelings, the form of the work begins to emerge. Figures come to life, places are created, and a painting is completed. Hessam has often stated that he feels his mind would cloud the process and the purity in his art can only come from a place of unrestrained emotion. You cannot analyze or invent emotional imagery, it has to be experienced with the heart. His work has evolved through a long process, from his traditional training in school to the rejection of the classical processes which appeared more abstract in his early years, eventually emerging as the work we know today.
Hessam, could you tell us about the people you met along your life and decisions you made that shaped your journey.?
My journey began in Iran when I was in the eighth grade; my art teacher asked the class to draw anything we wanted. This was the very first time I have ever attempted to draw. “We were free to pursue our own interests in Mr. Moezzi’s class. That day I recreated one of his portrait drawings, by hand of course, and turned it in as an assignment. He took quite a long time to examine the piece. I expected an angry response, possibly accusing me of plagiarism. He took quite a long time to examine the piece. I expected an angry response, possibly accusing me of plagiarism. Instead he simply said “you are better than me”, and I received and “A”. This may have been the turning moment that shifted my passion into obsession.
As an artist, what inspires your work?
The way I think, the way I feel, my philosophy about life and society inspire me and it shows in my work.
Your practice is informed by many different stylistic and cultural traditions. How would you define your artistic style?
My technical style is Abstract expressionism. My two strongest influences are movement and color. The movements of a female or male figure specifically when dancing along with their expressions highly influenced me and my work. It is their body language that I paint. The world is beautiful and full of color. I see color as a language. It speaks to me and I talk back with my work. Different colors evoke different emotions in me.
Can you talk to us about your journey of study and the development of your very unique style?
I try to be myself. When I am myself, it never looks like any other persons work. I try to work from my knowledge and my point of view and this makes me different from other artists. With my background coming from Iran, I have a different experience so it shapes me, it doesn’t mean it is better or worse than others, it’s just me!
What do you hope the viewer will take away from your paintings?
For anyone who is newly introduced to my work, I mention that behind my brushstrokes is over 40 years of experience. People will always find elements that they can relate to in my work. And every day they would find something new in the painting. My paintings are a story I am telling. But a story that lets you fill in the blanks. Everyone will see something different and that is ok. There is no right or wrong just each individual’s interpretation.
What do you want people to know about Hessam Abrishami?
I am no different than anyone else. I am just able to express myself using a canvas as well.
Do you have a favorite painting within your collection, and if so why is this your favorite piece of work?
Painting for me is very personal. The process is very personal. Each painting I create carries a part of my soul with it wherever it goes. So my favorite painting is always the most recent one I’ve completed. It is the closest to my heart at that moment. They may not all be masterpieces, but I love them all the same in that moment in time.
Any word of inspiration for those young artists who are trying to make their way in this industry?
Experience as much art as you can. Visit museums, art galleries, exhibitions and art fairs. Creativity breeds creativity. Create all the time. Listen to your feelings and emotions. Be unafraid and let that show in your work. Follow that path and practice until your art flows from within you without forced effort.
To view Hessam’s work visit:
ABRA Gallery
2014 NE 155th Street. North Miami Beach, Fl 33162
305.705.2166
