Hossein Qollar-Aghasi was a painter from Iran. He was the son of tile-work pattern designer Ali-Reza Qollar-Aghasi and was born in Tehran, Iran. In his father’s studio, he picked up the foundational techniques of conventional painting. He was a pioneer of “coffeehouse painting,” producing canvases and wall paintings inspired by religious customs and historical tales from the Shahnameh.
In my pursuit of finding a connection between the Western style of painting and Iranian folklore illustration, I have found nothing closer and more relevant than “coffeehouse paintings,” and “Qollar-Aghasi” is one of the pioneers of this artistic practise. His work is a mix of Western and Eastern painting styles. Perspectives are borrowed from the Persian Minatuer; however, the design, character introductions, and compositions are inspired by Western styles. I found it intriguing to borrow some ideas from these coffee house paintings in terms of details. I tend to preserve as many details as possible; however, simple and minor mistakes in terms of realism work wonderfully for my purpose. the idea of floating between realms of reality and imagination, and these little mistakes create barriers between these two worlds.
“Hossein Ghollar Aghasi.” n.d. http://Www.caroun.com. Accessed May 31, 2023. http://www.caroun.com/Resume.php?dir=Painting/Iran/HusseinQollarAqasi/. Accessed in May 29, 2023.