Artism Art Gallery is proud to collaborate with artists whose works reflect depth, craft, and cultural resonance.
The gallery's debut exhibition features the seasoned artist Kourosh Dolatshahi, whose rich history and expressive work embody the values Artism stands for: authenticity, connection, and narrative depth.
Artism believes in building sustainable careers for artists step by step, offering professional support, visibility, and a platform to reach new audiences — starting with its participation in the Reveal Art Fair in Brussels.
Kourosh Dolatshahi
A Life Shaped by Art, Love, and Exile
Born in Tehran in 1955, Kourosh Dolatshahi is a multidisciplinary artist whose work includes oil painting, sculpture, pottery, metalwork, and his unique technique of Feleznegari—relief painting on aluminum. His art is deeply inspired by the visual and decorative traditions of Qajar-era art, Persian calligraphy, and classical ornament. These influences give his pieces strong emotional meaning, turning material into symbol and shape into memory. Dolatshahi began his artistic path at the age of 19 and soon became known in Iran’s cultural scene. He ran his own galleries, worked with public institutions, and formed strong connections with collectors. However, as his art developed, it no longer fit with the political atmosphere. He refused to change his creative ideas, even under pressure. In the end, this led him to leave Iran and start a new life in Belgium, where he continued following his artistic vision in freedom.
In Belgium, Dolatshahi built up his career again with strength and determination. He opened 1001 Nachts, a combined gallery and restaurant in Oostende and later in Brussels. More than just a venue, 1001 Nachts was itself an artistic creation—an immersive space shaped by Dolatshahi’s own artworks. It became a vibrant cultural meeting hub where the public gathered in dialogue, surrounded by art, music, and cuisine. Dolatshahi has continued to create and exhibit his work across Europe and beyond. A poetic feeling is at the heart of Dolatshahi’s work—his pieces are not only visual artworks but also carry personal and shared stories. His illuminated mirrors (Ayneh Noori), sculptures, and aluminum reliefs often express deep questions about life, shaped by his own experience living between two cultures. His book, Narration of Love, is part personal story and part art collection. It gives a close look into the emotions, ideas, and life events that shape his work. Kourosh Dolatshahi’s art is a powerful example of honesty, creativity, and cultural connection. At Artism Gallery, we are proud to present his work—art that speaks through its beauty, skill, and meaningful stories.
Art works
Baarmoeder-Triptych
A Love Trilogy About the Beginning of Life
Relief painting on canvas
82x82cm
I. Knocking on the Door of Love
Relief painting on canvas
82x82cm
In the darkness of the beginning, millions rush toward a glowing red light. One comes not to win, but to offer — wearing a bowtie and carrying a bouquet. He rings the bell of the heart. The egg opens not for the strongest, but for the sincerest. This is not just the start of life — it is the beginning of love.
II. The Embrace of Creation
Relief painting on canvas
82x82cm
Two lost halves find each other — sperm and egg unite in a gentle dance. The others step back, not with envy, but with respect. They witnessed true love giving birth to life. In the center, the embryo rests — a glowing seed, full of promise.
III. Ready to Meet the World
Relief painting on canvas
82x82cm
In the safe space of the womb, a baby floats, calm and dreaming. Flowers bloom around him, the umbilical cord connects him to life. He dreams of color, music, and maybe… new love. He is ready to be born. Ready to start the cycle again.
The Horse – A Tale of Loyalty and Loss -Triptych
Oil painting on canvas
80x60cm
For centuries, the horse has stood by humanity — in battle, work, and companionship. But when injured or no longer useful, this noble friend is often cast aside. These paintings reflect that painful contradiction: a story of loyalty met with betrayal.
I: Redemption
Oil painting on canvas
80x60cm
In a muted, gray space, a horse stands on a prosthetic leg, supported by a crutch. Once marked for death by its owner, it now stands alive — saved by a moment of remorse. In the corner, a broken vase rests on a column. Dry branches grow out of it, wrapping around a gun once meant to kill. But something changes: the branches bloom with white flowers. The gun is forgotten. The human chooses healing instead of harm. The horse, gentle and loyal, offers the human a red bouquet — love in return for kindness.
II: Memory and Imagination
Oil painting on canvas
80x60cm
The wounded horse returns to an empty stable — his final home. Symbols of past glory surround him: golden horseshoes, a worn saddle, a quiet bridle. Once honored, now forgotten by friends, family, even a lost love. Outside the window, the sea is still and cold. But in front of his easel, the horse paints not what he sees, but what he feels: his lost love standing on the waves, holding red flowers, returned to him through imagination. In the heart of this fallen champion, only dreams remain — fragile, but undefeated.
III: The Mask of Ugliness on the Face of Freedom
Oil painting on canvas
80x60cm
The horse has died — but not his story. A giant statue now stands on Liberty Island, built not to honor but to deceive. In his hands: a scale. One side holds a weapon of mass destruction, the other a delicate flower. The flower weighs more — love outweighs violence. But the horse's true face is hidden behind a cruel mask, shaped by politicians who profit from war while pretending to protect justice. This painting is a protest: against leaders who trade in destruction while hiding behind slogans of freedom. Beneath the mask, truth waits — still shining, still strong.
Exhibitions
2025 - Reveal Art Fair- Artism Gallery- Brussels
2023- Group exhibition ‘Iranian Art Gallery’- Uccle, Brussels
2023 - Holy Art Fair–London, UK
2018 - Art3F exhibition- Paris, France
2011 -2017- Permanent exhibition , 1001 Nights restaurant -Brussels, Belgium
2013 - Group exhibition in “Les Perses qui percent en Belgique” - Brussels, Belgium
2009 - Group exhibition - Amsterdam, Netherlands
2009 - Group exhibition - Paris, France
2006 - Group exhibition - Ostend, Belgium
2004 - Group exhibition - Diksmuide, Belgium
2001-2005 - Permanent solo exhibition, 1001 Nachts restaurant - Ostend, Belgium
1991-95 - Solo exhibition, International Permanent Fairground - Tehran, Iran
1990-95 - Permanent exhibition “Dolatshahi Art Gallery”- Tehran, Iran