By: Trends Editorial Team
Schiller Dabir studied arts in high school majoring in graphic design and continued her studies in art history at the New Sorbonne University in Paris (Université Sorbonne Nouvelle – Paris 3). During this time, Dabir lived primarily in France but with her attachment to her native country, she kept up her life between France and Iran, immersing herself into the history and art of both countries. Over the years, all the details that she saw and learned about these two beautiful countries inspired her art in many ways.
Tell us about yourself and your background.
My maternal grandparents live in Paris and because of that I was able to live between Iran and France from an early age. During my visits to Paris, my grandfather and I would go to art galleries and museums together and spend plenty of time enjoying such environments. That was how from a young age I started learning about the history of art and the art world, gradually nurturing my artistic sense with an open mind of a child.
I started studying arts in high school majoring in graphic design and continued my studies in art history at the New Sorbonne University in Paris (Université Sorbonne Nouvelle – Paris 3). I lived primarily in France but since I was so fond of Iran, I kept up my life between the two countries immersing myself into the history and art of both France and Iran. Over the years, all the details that I saw and learned about these two beautiful countries inspired me in many ways.
At what age and how did you start painting? Who and what inspired you to become an artist?
Back when I was a young child, I used to draw on my dolls and that counts for something, I guess. And then of course, my grandfather was my biggest inspiration through it all as we spent so much time together in art galleries. It’s safe to say that somehow, he introduced me to this magical world of arts.
How do you describe your paintings in general? What do they mean?
From a very young age I was fascinated and inspired by van Gogh’s art, especially his Portrait of Dr. Gachet. That was the first painting and style I ever tried to replicate. Then, as I got older, I was introduced to the sublime world of spirituality. So the mixture of these two impressions helped me create my own signature style in painting. My style is inspired by a mix of spirituality together with creation and human beings. My paintings are mostly female nudes with a touch of masculinity as a symbol of power in ancient world. Each of them is created based on my mental state and feelings at the time of painting them. So they are very personal and have a sentimental value to me as each of them represents a different phase in my life.
Do you follow a specific style of art (such as cubism, realism, expressionism…)?
Since I was always a fan of van Gogh, you can see simple touches in my work that represent impressionism combined with realism.
What inspire you to paint? What and who influence your art?
My own inner feelings and spiritual path are what influence my art. I see the world and its profundity beyond material values, which can’t be described in any way other than through artistic expression.
Who are some of your biggest idols in art (especially painters)?
Vincent van Gogh and Salvador Dali are two painters I admire most. The statements they make through their art and the life they each lived inspire me a lot.
How do you market your art (online, exhibitions…)?
I never think about selling my art as I consider each piece as personal and therefore can’t put a price on. But you come to a point where you have to embrace your art also as part business. That’s why I started selling some of my paintings only to people who truly understand and value art.
Why do you think Iranian artists are suddenly successful and so much in demand globally?
It’s not that Iranian artists are now in demand suddenly. Iranian artist like Kamal-ol-Molk and so many others have always enjoyed fame and have been in demand from a long time ago among connoisseurs everywhere. But recently, all artists from around the world become quickly famous as there is no limit on where they are located because of social media.
Please tell us about your upcoming projects (including exhibitions etc.)
I’m planning on two exhibitions: the first one is going to be in Tehran and the second one is going to be in Saint-Honore district in Paris.
