Nazanin Samet is an artist and a calligraphy master. She is a professional and renowned artist in the field of visual arts, actively pursuing calligraphy painting and modern calligraphy since 2018. Nazanin strives to express her message through sensory imagery. Her work has been showcased in solo and group exhibitions both domestically and abroad, including in Iran, France, and the United States. She has also conducted workshops and was selected for the Fajr Visual Arts Festival in 2024. As an artist, she has successfully bridged ancient Iranian calligraphy traditions with modern reinterpretation, notably holding her first solo exhibition at the International “Kama” Gallery in Tehran in December 2024.
- Thank you for taking the time to do this interview with Trends despite your busy schedule. We truly appreciate it. Please tell us about yourself, your background, and your journey into the field of art.
My name is Nazanin Samet. I was born in 1986 in Tehran. I hold an art degree from the Faculty of Fine Arts at Tehran University and an artistic degree from the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance. I am also a member of the Iranian Calligraphers Association. Although I continued my studies in industrial management, art has always been a prominent part of my life, whether through calligraphy or painting. My paintings primarily consist of abstract caricatures, critical pieces, or abstract conceptual works inspired by nature.
- Hearing about the spark that ignites an artist’s creativity is always fascinating. What prompted you to start creating art, and how have your background, family, and surroundings influenced your artistic path? How do you see your personal experiences and emotions reflected in your artworks, especially in your choice of calligraphy and lettering?
My grandfather and uncle were calligraphers, and my grandfather always reminded us of the fundamental principles of calligraphy. I attended calligraphy classes during elementary school but did not continue. In my teenage years, my interest leaned more towards painting. I always wanted a personal language of expression to communicate with my audience in a way that accurately conveyed my feelings without words. My sufficient familiarity with painting and calligraphy further fueled my interest in blending these two arts and directed my activities in this regard.
Calligraphy painting has been growing for about 50 years, and great Iranian masters have collaborated in the modern and contemporary realms. I have always followed the works of senior masters such as Faramarz Pilaram, Mafi, Nasrollah Afjei, Mohammad Ehsai, and Hossein Zenderoudi, who are among the first-generation masters of this art.
I obtained my calligraphy degree from the Iranian Calligraphers’ Association, and my efforts were aimed at understanding traditional scripts to enhance my artistic path while preserving cultural authenticity in a modern context. My works often revolve around the concepts found in the poetry of great poets like “Rumi” and “Saadi,” and I have always drawn inspiration from nature. I believe that art is the true voice of humanity, just as music manifests and guides through all forms of art.
- Your style is a beautiful fusion of tradition and modernity, blending ancient Iranian calligraphy techniques with contemporary interpretations. Can you describe your artistic style and how you intertwine these elements?
Calligraphy painting combines visual arts, painting, calligraphy, and more, scientifically and fundamentally integrating traditional calligraphy into modern and contemporary art through a new structure. The creation of my works has been inspired by nature, poetry, photography, and theoretical practice through the study of great masters’ works, accompanied by practice and perseverance.
- You have successfully showcased your works in prestigious domestic and international venues. Please provide us with an overview of the prominent exhibitions and galleries where your art has been displayed. What was your experience interacting with diverse audiences and observing how your works were received in different cultural contexts?
I had a solo exhibition titled “The Sound of Flight” at the Kama Gallery in Tehran, showcasing a collection of my works created with my handcrafted pen, which received positive feedback. In January 2024, I had a live performance and discussion at the Iranian Artists Forum in the presence of distinguished art professors. Additionally, I have a solo exhibition scheduled at the Shalman Gallery in California, USA, in February, where 16 of my works will be displayed online through a gallery platform link. I was also invited to participate with three works in the Fajr Visual Arts Festival.
- Could you please share a personal narrative about your own artistic experience when encountering a piece of art? How has art influenced your personality and individual identity?
My works, which have always been spontaneous and created freely, have garnered more attention because the deep and inner feelings I have always wanted to share with the audience have flowed into my works and have been well understood. When constrained by a specific framework and order while creating, my inner feelings felt trapped and did not flow into the works. I believe that when you are unrestrained, what happens surpasses expectations. “Art emerged superior to precious gems,” said Saadi. People can change the world around them through their art and grow spiritually—a value that cannot be found in the material world.
- Understanding the impact of an artist’s work on both the general audience and the art community is crucial. How do you perceive the feedback from both the audience and art professionals regarding your artworks, and what narratives or experiences have you encountered?
In my solo exhibitions, I received positive feedback due to the large dimensions of my works and my bold strokes, executed freely and in a single go. I used ink as a natural and primary material, which holds a special place in our traditional calligraphy. This time, it had a different expression in the modern realm, where I aimed to illustrate the deep connection between humans and nature using natural materials like cardboard and ink while preserving some cultural authenticities in the contemporary world. The feedback from professors and artists has also been good, and the points made by the professors about my works have been very valuable, encouraging me to continue along my path.
- Creating art often involves deep philosophical and conceptual foundations. What are the core principles and philosophies that guide your artistic process, and how do you see these reflected in your works?
What matters most to me is unity. I believe we all have a point of connection and oneness, but each person defines it through their own language of expression. These diverse appearances do not sever the threads of our connection. It is the absolute light that I mentioned in the “Melody of Flight” series; this light passes through the prism of each person’s life and, depending on the differences and thoughts of each individual, casts colors on their life. Ultimately, the collection of these lights is the same absolute light.
- Where do you see yourself in the future? Are you considering any new collaborations, exhibitions, or galleries? What specific milestones do you hope to achieve in the next few years?
In the future, I am looking forward to the publication of my works in the international book “Symphony of Color: Harmony of Lines” and continuing to explore new opportunities for exhibitions and collaborations. I also have a workshop and discussion scheduled at the “Saba” Academy of Art and the Milad Tower.
