Iranian artist create innovative art technique using colored fabrics

Tabriz-born artist Ahad Saadi has develop the innovative art technique “Azarnegari.” The name derives from a combination of two words: “Azari,” meaning fire in Farsi, and “nigari,” which refers to drawing. The technique encompasses burning and combining pieces of colored fabric in multi-layered patterns.

In 2008, the Iranian Ministry of Culture accepted it as a new local art form. Saadi is currently showcasing his work at Art350, an art gallery on BaÄŸdat Avenue on Istanbul’s Asian side. With influences from Iran, he has a deep interest in traditional illuminated handwriting and miniature patterns. Using his own method, he gives a 2-D or 3-D look to his work by using several layers of fabric. In this style, Saadi never uses pencil or any type of paint, but pastes small pieces of fabric on top of each other.

Saadi learned about traditional inscriptions and designs watching his father, a carpet and textile merchant, in the Tabriz Bazaar. Once, while playing with fire in his mother’s room, pieces of fabric caught fire and began sticking together. He then started to craft this new technique as an art form.

Saadi has held both solo and group exhibitions, and his work is based on mystical and philosophical thought. He produces art that is strongly connected to nature, philosophy, love, the universe and humanity. Apart from abstract ornamentation, some of his work features animal, plant and human figures.

The Iranian artist currently works with his technique in the fields of contemporary illuminating, miniatures, contemporary calligraphy, modern painting and sculpture. He has previously held exhibitions in Istanbul.