Haydar Hatemi’s Biography
Haydar Hatemi was born in Iran in 1945. He studied sculpture techniques from
Master Ashot Babayan and learned the Tezhip (Illumination) technique from
Master Abduhl Bageri. Upon graduating, he went to Tehran where he studied with
two Miniaturists, Mukimi and Farshian at the Academy of fine art.
In 1983, Hatemi left Iran to pursue his career in the West. He immigrated to Bursa,
Turkey where he opened his own studio. After working there for many years, he
moved to United States.
Hatemi’s miniatures are in classical Persian tradition of the sixteenth century Herat
School and are exceptional in their breathtaking attention to detail. He has an
extraordinary love of his art and tezhip. Creating miniature paintings only
quenches his artistic thirst; he derives the most joy and excitement from his chosen
fields. In this magical world, he never tires of painting. Hatemi's artistic versatility
is evident in his more three-dimensional, tonal works. In these, the perfectionism
of a true miniaturist is masterfully combined with a realist's appreciation of color,
form and perspective. The miniature art collectors have been his best source of
encouragement and support. He creates extraordinary works of art, one after
another, which end up in private collections and museums. Some of Hatemi's
finest work is done on ivory, wood and old paper.
Haydar has demonstrated an extraordinary ability in understanding and unveiling
the secrets of miniature art. Hatemi's works are painted with a masterful hand; his
brushstrokes are expressive and his paintings are awash in color and movement.
Some of his works seem to be his interpretation of master works of the past, but he
introduces his own personalities to the scene and he seduces the viewer with bursts
of mystery and sensuality.
Hatemi, like a most skilled jeweler, with complete mastery in his field, studies the
old miniature masterpieces and hears perfectly harmonious tunes and is able to
unlock the mysteries of the color and designs. He creates new interpretations in his
personal style, which are absolutely outstanding.
Haydar Hatemi has exhibited extensively worldwide and his paintings hang in
many corporate collections. His recent works include many large size oil paintings,
which are created for a special order from Prince Sheik Abdulaziz. These works
can be seen in his loyal palace in Qatar, Doha.