Today we’d like to introduce you to Keyvan Shovir.
Hi Keyvan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Tehran, Iran, where my journey as an artist was shaped by a deep connection to Persian miniature painting, calligraphy, poetry, and the intricate geometry found in Islamic architecture. I pursued my BA at Azad University of Tabriz, immersing myself in traditional techniques while exploring how they could be reinterpreted through contemporary lenses. During that time, I also became one of the early pioneers of Iranian street art—using public walls as a medium of cultural resistance and expression under heavy censorship.
After relocating to the U.S., I earned my MFA and expanded my artistic practice across multiple disciplines—murals, digital media, animation, 3D design, and NFTs. My work continues to bridge traditional Persian aesthetics with global contemporary art, rooted in both heritage and experimentation. I’ve had the privilege of working with respected institutions such as the UCLA Fowler Museum and the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, contributing not only as an artist but also in technical and curatorial roles, including art handling, mount making, exhibition installation, and conservation support.
Today, my studio practice is multidimensional. I create large-scale mural commissions for public and private clients, often initiated through professional collaborations or direct outreach via my website and Instagram. These murals allow me to activate architectural spaces with a narrative blend of symbolism, calligraphy, and modern abstraction.
Alongside mural work, I’ve launched a design-forward extension of my practice that includes hand-painted shoes, screen-printed apparel, and limited-edition wearable art. Each piece is treated like a moving canvas—integrating storytelling, craftsmanship, and visual language in a new, intimate format. Design is a core part of my identity—it’s not limited to aesthetics but extends to spatial thinking and audience experience. My background in exhibition design gives me a unique ability to think across scale—from a wall to a wearable, from a gallery to the street.
Through all these mediums, my goal remains the same: to translate memory, heritage, and modernity into works that move people—visually, emotionally, and intellectually.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not been smooth, and like many artists of color and immigrants, I’ve faced barriers that go beyond the personal and into the systemic.
As an Iranian-born artist, I’ve had to contend with the weight of political narratives and the constant stream of negative media surrounding my home country. These perceptions can create invisible obstacles—shaping how others see you before they’ve even encountered your work. It’s a challenge to be recognized on your own terms when your identity is often politicized or misunderstood.
Additionally, being a person of color navigating the professional art world in the U.S. presents its own set of difficulties. Opportunities are not always equally accessible, and despite experience, education, and skill, there are times when doors remain closed or networks feel impenetrable. I’ve had to work twice as hard to be seen, to build trust, and to carve out space in institutions that often lack true diversity at their core.
Starting over in a new country, building a career from the ground up, and supporting myself through various roles—often behind the scenes—has been both humbling and empowering. It’s given me a holistic understanding of the art world and a deeper sense of resilience.
Despite these challenges, I remain committed to my vision. Every mural, every design, and every exhibition I contribute to is a form of resistance, storytelling, and cultural preservation. My journey is shaped by struggle, but also by an unshakable belief in the transformative power of art.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work sits at the intersection of heritage, rebellion, and innovation. I’m a multidisciplinary artist specializing in large-scale murals, digital media, Persian calligraphy, and contemporary design. Rooted in my Iranian background, I fuse classical elements—like miniature painting and Islamic geometry—with street art, 3D design, and emerging technologies like NFTs.
I’m perhaps best known for translating Persian visual language into modern formats, whether that’s a mural in Los Angeles, a hand-painted pair of shoes, or an animated miniature projected onto a digital screen. My work aims to bridge cultures and generations—bringing the depth of ancient traditions into dialogue with today’s global visual culture.
What sets me apart is the duality I carry: I’m equally comfortable working on scaffolding for a public mural as I am behind-the-scenes in a museum, fabricating mounts or installing exhibitions. I understand art not only as expression but as experience, space, and curation. My background in exhibition design informs my entire creative process—I think architecturally and narratively, whether I’m working on a wall, a shirt, or an immersive installation.
I’m proud of staying true to my roots while constantly evolving. From navigating censorship as a street artist in Iran to building a multifaceted career in the U.S., every piece I create is a continuation of that journey. My work is a love letter to culture, resilience, and the future of art.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My biggest advice to anyone just starting out is: stay rooted in your truth, but be flexible in your path.
In the beginning, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—by comparison, by self-doubt, or by the pressure to “make it.” But your voice, your story, and your cultural background are your superpowers. Don’t water them down to fit in. Instead, learn how to shape them into something that can speak across borders and mediums.
I wish someone had told me earlier that being an artist is not just about making beautiful work—it’s about consistency, discipline, and learning to navigate systems that weren’t always designed for people like us. Rejection is part of the process. So is reinvention. It’s okay to shift directions, try new mediums, and evolve over time.
Also, don’t wait for permission. Start with what you have—your wall, your sketchbook, your phone, your voice. Build your community. Collaborate. Share your process, not just your finished work. And remember: the most important thing is to keep creating, especially when it’s hard.
Your art can be a space of healing, resistance, and connection. Honor that. And don’t ever underestimate how far your authenticity can take you.
Pricing:
- Starting at $2,500 for small indoor murals
- Large-scale exterior murals: $5,000 – $15,000+ depending on size and detail
- fine Art (Canvas / Mixed Media Works) Small works: $600 – $1,200
- fine Art Canvas /Medium to large works: $1,500 – $8,000+
- Exhibition Design / Consultation Starting at $100/hour or $800/day depending on the project scale
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.keyvanshovir.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k1shovir/
- Twitter: https://x.com/KeyvanShovir
Image Credits
All images created by the artist, Keyvan Shovir.
