Ershad Raftari (born 1986, Talesh, Iran) is a painter who lives and works in Rasht. Painting is the central focus of Raftari’s artistic practice. His
visual language is shaped by introspective figures, soft colors, and a precise interplay between clarity and ambiguity. Through delicate layering and controlled brushstrokes, he explores themes of identity, human presence, and psychological spaces—inviting the viewer into a contemplative encounter with the image.
Overview
Raftari creates human portraits without defining the subject’s social position, portraying them as constant entities across several series. This
suggests a form of consistency in addressing the question of existence.
His diverse approach to line and style across different collections reflects a multifaceted perspective on a singular existential core.
Compositions
His work communicates through the language of form and structure. He offers a multilayered foundation for presenting formal subjects in abstract spaces by:
- Juxtaposing accidental and controlled forms
- Overlaying structural layers while preserving the impact of each
- Maintaining the dynamism of individual forms while preserving their cohesion, from textural details to overall composition
Exhibitions
Raftari has exhibited his work in solo exhibitions, including “Me or You” (Aliha Gallery, Tehran, 2017) and “Within the Framework” (Arman Gallery, Rasht, 2023), each marking a clear evolution in his approach to figure and narrative.
He has also participated in notable group exhibitions such as “Gray and the Red Stain” (2021-2022) at Laleh Gallery in Tehran and the Central Hall in Rasht, “The Banquet” (2024) at Arman Gallery and O Gallery, and “Condition” (2022) at Arman Gallery.
