Sahel Khalilnejad Explore Mondoir Studio Nationality: Iranian Born: 1995 Artistic discipline: painting Based in: Dubai, AE BiographySahel Khalilnejad is a Dubai based visual artist whose practice explores cultural heritage through a contemporary visual language. Born and raised in Iran, she developed her artistic practice within a culture deeply rooted in art, craftsmanship, and visual traditions. Although her academic background is in Biomedical Engineering, her long standing connection to art gradually became the central focus of her professional life. Her artistic journey developed through years of independent practice, with a particular focus on oil painting, traditional motifs, and contemporary interpretations of Persian carpet painting. Her experience also extends beyond studio practice. She has been involved in the management of an art gallery in Tehran and has worked as an art teacher, experiences that gave her a broader understanding of both artistic practice and the relationship between art, audiences, and collectors. Today, based in Dubai, Khalilnejad continues to develop a body of work that connects heritage and contemporary art, with a particular interest in preserving cultural visual language while presenting it in a refined and contemporary form. Artist StatementMy work explores the relationship between cultural heritage, memory, and contemporary visual expression. Growing up in Iran, I was surrounded by a rich visual culture shaped by centuries of art, craftsmanship, architecture, ornament, and textile traditions. Over time, I became increasingly interested in how these visual languages can be preserved, reinterpreted, and experienced beyond their traditional context. I work primarily with oil on canvas, incorporating heritage patterns, traditional motifs, and elements inspired by Persian carpet design. Rather than reproducing historical forms, I use them as a visual vocabulary through which to explore identity, memory, beauty, and the passage of cultural heritage into the present. For me, painting becomes a way of keeping a visual heritage alive while allowing it to evolve. My aim is to create works that feel rooted in their cultural origin while remaining contemporary, refined, and accessible to an international audience. ExhibitionsI have not yet participated in formal solo or group exhibitions. My artistic experience has primarily developed through independent practice, direct engagement with collectors, gallery related work, and commissioned and private art projects. I am currently focused on expanding my professional presence internationally and developing opportunities for exhibitions and collaborations in Dubai and the wider region. AwardsI have not yet received formal art awards or institutional recognitions. My practice has primarily developed through independent artistic work, private collectors, gallery related experience, and continued professional development. EducationBachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Branch, Iran 2013–2018 Master’s Studies in Biomedical Engineering – Biomaterials Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Coursework completed; thesis not completed. Independent Art Practice & Specialized Training Iran Independent study and practice in oil painting, traditional motifs, Persian carpet painting, and related visual arts. Art Educator Mahdavi School, Tehran, Iran Art teacher, working with children and developing creative art activities. Artworks by Sahel Khalilnejad Through the Carpet Medium: Oil on canvas Price: $2000.00 USD Playground Medium: Oil on canvas Price: $1400.00 USD Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Medium: Oil on canvas Price: $700.00 USD Infinite love Medium: Oil on canvas Price: $3300.00 USD Threads of Time Medium: Oil on canvas Price: $2200.00 USD Traces of Time Medium: Oil on canvas Price: $3200.00 USD
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