Ali Pasandideh | Artist at Mondoir

Nationality: Iranian

Discipline: Calligrapher

Born: 1978

Based in: Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Biography

Ali Pasandideh is a contemporary calligrapher and artist based in the UAE, with over two decades of professional experience. His artistic journey began in Iran, where he earned first place in calligraphy in Mashhad (2005) and served as an instructor for the Iran Calligraphers Association for over 12 years. He is a UAE Golden Visa holder in the field of Art & Culture and specializes in modern and abstract calligraphy compositions. Ali has held 18 solo exhibitions across the UAE, Switzerland, Oman, Turkey, Tajikistan, and Iran. His works have been featured in prestigious national auctions in Tehran in 2018 and 2020. Based in the UAE, he continues to bridge tradition and modern expression through his practice, workshops, and international collaborations.

Artist Statement

My artistic practice reimagines calligraphy as a vital bridge between centuries-old tradition and modern expression. I view calligraphy not merely as writing, but as "poetry for the eyes" and a melody to be seen. Each composition I create is designed to transcend physical form, allowing letters to breathe and emotions to unfold beyond the constraints of words. Through a delicate harmony of rhythm, balance, and silence, my work explores the spiritual essence of language, making the invisible spirit of communication visible to the viewer.

Exhibitions

Solo Exhibitions (Selected from 18 Total): • 2025: Kutubna Cultural Center, Dubai, UAE. • 2024: Kutubna Cultural Center, Dubai, UAE. • 2022: Art & Soul Gallery, Muscat, Oman. • 2020: New Gallery 6, Aarau, Switzerland. • 2018: Atashzad Art Gallery, Tehran, Iran. • 2017: Aliha Gallery, Tehran, Iran. • 2015: Tarane Baran Gallery & Persian Language Center, Tehran, Iran. • 2013: Zafar Charshysi Exhibition Hall, Ankara, Turkey. • 2008: Iranian Cultural Consult, Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Group Exhibitions (Selected): • 2017: 10th Fajr International Visual Arts Festival, Tehran, Iran. • 2014: Zafar Charshysi Exhibition Hall, Ankara, Turkey. • 2010: Iran's First International Calligraphy Biennial, Qazvin, Iran. • 2008: Exhibition of Mashhad Calligraphers, Karachi, Pakistan. • 2002: The Second International Islamic World Calligraphers, Tehran, Iran.

Awards

• Special Artistic Project (2024): Selected as one of twenty artists for the "Aspirations of the UAE through unique artistic lenses" project, organized by Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi, UAE. • Festival Selection (2022): Selected as one of eleven artists for the "Alkhat Festival" at Arthaus, invited by the Khawla Art & Cultural Foundation, Beirut, Lebanon. • Creative Recognition (2022): Selected as one of six artists for "Celebrating Middle Eastern Creativity" by the Khawla Art & Cultural Foundation. • Honorary Invitation (2016): Received an honorary invitation to the Conference of Ali Samarqandi, Ankara, Turkey. • National Award (2005): Won First Place in Calligraphy (Nastaliq), Mashhad, Iran. • Residency Status: Holder of the UAE Golden Visa for Art & Culture. • Auction Records: Successful sale of works "Hamhameh" (2020) and "Sun" (2018) at the National Auction, Tehran, Iran.

Education

• Instructor of Calligraphy: Iran Calligraphers Association (over 12 years of teaching experience). • Specialized Course Instructor: Conducted "Psychology and Artistic Creativity" for ages 7-12 at Siavoushan Psychological Center, Tehran, Iran (2020). • International Teaching: Calligraphy Course Instructor at the Persian Language Center, Ankara, Turkey (2012). • Workshop Facilitation: Led multiple professional workshops, including a series of six workshops at the Kutubna Cultural Center, Dubai, UAE (2025). • Professional Recognition: Awarded First Place in Calligraphy (Nastaliq), Mashhad, Iran (2005).

Ali Pasandideh | Artist at Mondoir

Biography

Artist Statement

Exhibitions

Awards

Education

Artworks by Ali Pasandideh

Entangle

Wine of letters

Ink Bloom

Sufi

The Moon