Rene Saheb, born in Tehran and based in New York, is an artist whose works explore cultural dualities. Educated in Iran and Malaysia, she holds a Visual Communication degree and an MBA.
Through ceramics and painting, Saheb expresses the resilience of Iranians, using clay to reflect adaptability and vibrant paints for their silent struggles.
Internationally recognized, her work has been exhibited at Aaran Gallery, Organhaus Gallery, and the Venice Art Biennale's Anima Mundi Festival. Her art, honored with Iran's Farj Visual Art Festival's Best Painting Award in 2019, has graced galleries from Tehran to Venice. In New York, her creative influence persists, with her works showcased at NFT.NYC2023 and her enriching experience at the SVA Art Residency program.
Saheb's art delves into societal misunderstandings, employing metaphors and parables. Her travels have enriched her perspective, infusing her work with deep cultural insights. Her recent pieces merge Persian motifs with modern issues, commenting on environmental and societal challenges. Each artwork is a canvas of stories, inviting viewers to a deeper understanding beyond visual aesthetics. Saheb's work, encompassing painting, sculpture, and dialogue, adding a unique Iranian perspective to the American art scene.
Educational Qualifications:
- Certified in Ceramic Skills, Iran, 2021
- Art MBA, Bahar Business School, Iran, 2017
- Bachelor of Arts in Professional Design, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Malaysia, 2010
- Associate Degree in Visual Communication (Graphic Design), University of Science and Culture, Iran, 2007
- Associate Degree in Computer Graphics, Applied Science and Technology, Iran, 2007
Awards & Recognition:
- Individual Artist Fellowship, Jersey City Arts Council, USA, 2025-2026
- Ahmad Shafaie's Artist Support Fund, Diaspora Arts Connection, USA, 2023
- Exhibit Judge, The 7th Annual Persian Art Exhibition, Texas/Dallas, USA, 2022
- Award Recipient, Farj International Visual Art Festival, Iran, 2019
- Awarded Certificate of Excellence for active involvement in the university's industry projects, Malaysia, 2010
Published Academic Articles:
- Kasper Tromp, 'From Classroom to Gallery Floor: A Processual Exploration of Rene Saheb's (Meta)physical practice with Clay', Regards, 28 (2022), pp. 89-108
Residencies:
- 14C Special Project Residency, Jersey City,NJ, 2025
- Sculpture Residency Program, SVA, New York City, NY, 2024
- School of Visual Arts Art Residency, New York City,NY, USA, 2023
- Hoorshid Artist House, Iran/Isfahan, 2022
- Kalekent Ceramic Residence, Turkey/Bodrum, 2019
- Helikon Art Center, Turkey/Izmit, 2018
- SAC Subhashok The Art Center, Thailand/Bangkok-Chiang Mai, 2018
- Organhouse, China/Chongqing, 2017-2018
Press & Publications:
- New Jersey Stage Magazine: "Rene Saheb: Stories, Transformed" Article by Tris McCall (Eye Level) highlighting Rene’s solo exhibition at the Canopy Hotel.
- The Christian Science Monitor: “In Iran, artist ‘survivors’ navigate obstacles, foreign and domestic,” October 1, 2018.
- Artnet.com: “Qatari Collector and Curator Mohammed Al Thani Scours the Globe for Works That Leave Him Breathless,” May 22, 2023.
- Canvas Rebel, “Meet Rene Saheb,” Sep 25, 2023.
- Masty O Rasty Podcast: Interview with King Raam, 2023.
- Iran International News Agency: Video coverage of Rene Saheb’s studio in “In the Artist's Workshop” program.
- Honar Online: “Remnants of the Simorgh trip / Rene Saheb Ghadam: ‘Self-exploration’ is one of the best topics for a biennial,” Dec 22, 2020.
- Honar Gardi: “Day, hour, minute, and the moment of life; Conversation with Rene Saheb Ghadam,” January 18, 2020.
- Honar Gardi: “Interview of Ramin Saeidian with Rene Saheb,” October 6, 2019.
- Donyay-e-Eghtesad: “Korsi Sher’ solo exhibition (2013),” September 29, 2021.
Other Qualifications:
- National Association for Photoshop Professionals, Member, 2009
- Adobe Certified in Graphic Design Software, 2009
- Certified for Teaching Painting to Children
Solo Exhibitions:
- Transformation, Art 150 (Semi Private), Jersey City, NJ, 2024
- 'Valley of Knowledge,' Aaran Gallery, Iran, 2021
- 'Re-View,' Gallery Vision (Virtual Exhibition), Iran, 2020
- 'Dam Dami,' Bagh Ferdows Café Gallery, Iran, 2019
- Live Ceramic Performance, Prizma Gallery, Turkey, 2018
- 'Story of the Cane,' Organhouse Gallery, China, 2018
- Live Solo Performance (Dream), Organhouse Gallery, China, 2018
- 'Korsi Sher', Aaran Gallery, Iran, 2013
- 'Child Abuse,' Wing Gallery, Malaysia, 2009
Group Exhibitions:
- Art Fair 14C,Tiny Gallery, Jersey City, NJ, 2025
- Wrap it Up, Art 150 Gallery, Jersey City, NJ, 2024
- JCAST, Open Studio, Jersey City, 2024
- Fall Into The Bloom, LOS/NR Gallery, San Diego, California, 2024
- Special Intimacies, SVA, NYC, New York, 2024
- All Things Great And Small, Art 150 Gallery, Jersey City, NJ, 2024
- Growth, Art 150 Gallery, Jersey City, NJ, 2024
- Sloom, Studio 9D, NYC, New York, 2023
- Eroica Variations, The Trops, NYC, New York,2023
- Open Studio, SVA Art Residency NYC, New York, 2023
- Persian Art, EZRA Gallery, The Hamptons NY, 2023
- Six Contemporary Iranian Artists, Studio 200 Gallery, New York, 2023
- NFT.NYC2023, Hudson Yards, New York, 2023
- SHAI Nowruz, Digital Mapping, Levan, New York, 2023
- Polyvocality, Artaxis and NCEECA, Virtual Show and Conference, Cincinnati, Ohio, 2023
- Exposition, Femme.Vie.Liberte, Fiap Paris, France, 2023
- (In Honor of Mahsa Amini), The Union HTX Gallery, Donation for United4Iran, Houston, TX, 2022
- 'Ode To Spring,' Aaran Gallery, Tehran, 2022
- 'Transformation,' Bon Art project/ International Virtual Exhibition, 2021
- 'Recovery,' Aaran Projects Gallery, 2021
- 'Birds,' Soo Contemporary, 2021
- 11th National Ceramic Biennial of Iran, Self Analysis, 2020
- 'Occurent,' Bavan Gallery, Iran, 2019
- Kalekent Ceramic Exhibition, Bodrum, 2019
- Residency Association of Iranian Painting, Iranian Artist Forum, 2019
- 'Farj Visual Art Festival,' Iran, 2019
- 'Freedom,' Prizma Gallery, Turkey, 2018
- Aaran Gallery, Iran, 2018
- 'Side By Side,' Aknoon Gallery, Isfahan, 2018
- 'Side By Side,' Rooberoo Mansion, Iran, 2018
- Kunsthall 314, Norway, 2018
- Katharina Maria Raab Gallery, Germany, 2018
- Exhibition in support of patients suffering from Cancer (Behnam Daheshpour Charity) At Aaran Gallery, Tehran, 2017
- 'A few Credible Stories', Aaran Gallery, Tehran, 2017
- 'Pulp Narratives,' Aaran Gallery, Tehran, 2016
- 'There is something more,' Sales Gallery, Tehran, 2016
- Versus Art Contest, Tehran, 2014
- Untitled, Aaran Gallery, Tehran, 2012
،،
Rene has the fascinating ability to explore her own artistry and travel through Iranian mysticism, poetry, and expressions...
،،
Kasper TrompArt Historian
،،
Rene's work captivates the viewer, immersing them in a world of characters and storytelling through a sophisticated palette of colors and unique textures inspired by Iran. In Rene's art, a peacock is not simply a 'peacock,' but may symbolize something deeper and more meaningful, often reflecting intricate aspects of Iranian culture and heritage.
،،
Tania EshaghoffPianist and Composer / New York
،،
The fluid paintings of Rene Saheb are a translation of her playful mind. Hers is a world of words and colors. Her ability to work in different mediums Is also another aspect of her work. She engages with the world and offers Windows to her imagination and her colorful perception of humanity.
،،
Aaran Gallery
،،
She has a critical contagious and engaging way of addressing symbolism and abstract interpretation.
،،
Carline WesdorpCultural Producer / Nederlands
،،
Rene is a very hardworking and talented artist whose drawing and works holds a mirror to contemporary culture, challenging viewers to question Society norms.
،،
Ceeming Golshan Translator At Neveshtart
