Anahita Akhavan

Anahita Akhavan is an Iranian-Canadian painter based in Toronto. Through the thoughtful use of overlapping geometrical shapes and forms, Akhavan adopts the symbolism and ornamentation used in Islamic architecture, carpet weaving and tapestry, to create intricate and bold abstraction. In her practice, Akhavan has developed a distinctive painting style that encompasses personal cultural influences whilst also drawing from various other aesthetic movements.

Akhavan has exhibited extensively in Iran and Canada as well as in the US, and has completed artist residencies in Spain and Greece. She has received various prestigious grants from institutions such as the Toronto Arts Council, the Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts in addition to receiving accolades such as the RBC Newcomer Arts Award. Akhavan holds an MFA from the University of Saskatchewan and obtained her BFA from the University of Tehran, Iran. The work of Akhavan can be found in the permanent collections of Telus, Capital One, Scotiabank, BMO, TD Bank and the RBC Art Collection. Akhavan is represented by United Contemporary in Toronto and Duran Mashaal in Montreal.