Rashin Kheiriyeh: The Artistic Journey of an Iranian Illustrator
Rashin Kheiriyeh is a distinguished artist and illustrator whose work bridges the cultural gap between Iran and the United States. From her early beginnings in Tehran to her professional success in the U.S., Kheiriyeh has utilized her personal history and academic rigor to create evocative visual narratives.
Early Life and Academic Foundation
Born in 1979 in Khorramshahr, Khuzestan province, Iran, Kheiriyeh's early life was marked by upheaval. At just nine months old, her family was forced to flee their home due to the outbreak of the Iran–Iraq War in 1980. The family eventually settled in Tehran, where Kheiriyeh spent her formative years.
Her passion for visual arts emerged during high school, where she studied art and design and began painting. This interest led her to the Azadegan Art School in Tehran as a teenager. She furthered her formal education at Al-Zahra University, earning a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in graphic design—the art of combining text and images for communication—and eventually a Ph.D. in illustration.
Professional Recognition and International Reach
Kheiriyeh's talent was recognized early in her career. In 2005 and 2006, the Tehran Book Council awarded her the Best Book of the Year. Her ability to communicate complex themes through art gained international attention in 2007 when she was selected as one of 30 Iranian artists for an exhibition designed to improve cultural relations between Iran and the United States. The exhibit premiered in Washington, D.C., before touring several other U.S. states.
Transition to the United States
In 2011, Kheiriyeh moved to the United States to expand her skills, enrolling in an art course at the New York University Institute of Fine Arts. During this period, she established a professional studio in New York City. She later relocated to Arlington, Virginia, which served as the backdrop for the release of her first U.S.-published book, Two Parrots.
Two Parrots is a children's book that re-imagines a story by the renowned Persian poet Rumi. For this project, Kheiriyeh employed oil paint on paper to bring the narrative to life.
Recent Works and Social Advocacy
In recent years, Kheiriyeh has combined her artistic skill with global events and social causes. In 2018, she was commissioned to design a Google Doodle celebrating the Iranian national football team for the FIFA World Cup.
Her personal history continues to inform her work. In her 2020 picture book, Story Boat, she drew inspiration from her family's escape during the Iran-Iraq War. Beyond books, she has used public art for advocacy; in 2021, she unveiled a mural in Santa Monica dedicated to the freedom of women in Iran.
Key Facts
- Born: 1979 in Khorramshahr, Iran.
- Education: MFA in Graphic Design and Ph.D. in Illustration from Al-Zahra University.
- Major Awards: Best Book of the Year (2005, 2006) by the Tehran Book Council.
- Notable Books: Two Parrots (based on Rumi) and Story Boat.
- Public Contributions: 2018 FIFA World Cup Google Doodle and a 2021 mural for women's freedom in Santa Monica.
| Year/Period | Achievement/Event | Location/Context |
|---|---|---|
| 2005–2006 | Best Book of the Year | Tehran Book Council |
| 2007 | Cultural Exchange Exhibit | Washington, D.C. & US States |
| 2011 | NYU Institute of Fine Arts | New York City |
| 2018 | Google Doodle Design | FIFA World Cup |
| 2020 | Publication of Story Boat | Picture Book |
| 2021 | Women's Freedom Mural | Santa Monica, California |
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired the book Story Boat?
The drawings in Story Boat were inspired by Rashin Kheiriyeh's own family experiences during their escape from the Iran-Iraq War.
Which medium did she use for Two Parrots?
For the illustrations in Two Parrots, Kheiriyeh used oil paint on paper.
What is the subject of the mural she created in Santa Monica?
The mural, unveiled in 2021, advocates for the freedom of women in Iran.
Where did Rashin Kheiriyeh receive her higher education?
She attended Al-Zahra University in Tehran, where she earned both an MFA in graphic design and a Ph.D. in illustration.
How did her work contribute to US-Iran relations?
In 2007, she was one of 30 Iranian artists featured in an exhibition that debuted in Washington, D.C., and traveled across the US to improve cultural relations between the two nations.