Reza Abedini

Abedini's most renowned practice is his work in type design and Persian typography. Creating "Dabireh", a collective and a publication, in 2005, he took an influential step in bringing together the extensive efforts and resources in the fields of typography and type design, and related literature concerning Iranian cultural traditions. As so, he is one of the pioneering individuals in modern typography in Iran, devising many of the contemporary criteria and standards in the field. His graphic design work is replete with historical references, especially to Qajar- and Safavid-era traditions of imagery and portraiture; as such, in many of his pieces, he surrounds a single figure with empty space. His pieces have been exhibited in numerous international exhibitions, winning him several notable awards. His work in design, in addition to his extensive research in the interconnections of diverse cultures and cultural traditions, have resulted in Abedini being regarded as a unique figure in contemporary Iranian art and design. His work has been purchased and is displayed in various international collections and museums as well as remarkable private collections. In 2006, he was the winner of the Prince Claus Award (The Netherlands) for his remarkable contribution in valorizing Iranian graphic design. He was nominated for the Jameel Prize at the V&A Museum (London, UK) in 2010, and was a recipient of the European Design Awards in 2010. He is the first Iranian designer whose name was listed in "Meggs' History of Graphic Design" as one of the world's outstanding designers.

After years of living outside his home country, in 2015 Abedini's work was exhibited in an exhibition titled "Callidrawing" at Tehran's Ab/Anbar. The exhibition included eighty-nine pieces by Reza Abedini, floating between drawing and calligraphy (writing), referring to his longtime and deep fascination with the two.