A few weeks ago, First Impressions Fine Art unveiled a series of paintings by romantic expressionist artist Sabzi in an exhibit titled The Show.
The Ahwaz, Iran, native started painting when he was 12, though he never received any formal schooling. Interestingly enough, he graduated from the University of Jundi Shapur with a degree in Agricultural Engineering, though he's said that his education gave him a better understanding of primal spaces and the relationship between man, nature, art and creativity.
His early works were realistic and explored the historical and cultural themes of his homeland. And his exodus from Iran during the Khomeini Regime brought him to Germany, and then to the United States, prompting him to explore new artistic influences and styles, from abstract to figurative to modern.
Nowadays, Sabzi's style is generally romantic expressionist, his statements usually about love and beauty reflected via texture, lines and color, and his subjects almost always women, some confident and graceful, others darkly mysterious, all lovely in their painted skins.
The Show, at First Impressions Fine Art. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat. (open until 7 p.m. Thurs.); the works are on display through Dec. 15. 3625 Alt. 19, Palm Harbor.
