Mehrdad Tahan

Mehrdad Tahan is a self-taught portrait artist. He has been painting full-time for 29 years.

at a young age,Mehrdad was influenced by old Dutch masters and has practiced the traditional techniques for many years until he developed a personal style with impressionistic qualities, using oils and charcoal as his preferred mediums, Mehrdad enjoys the fine details and textures in his unique charcoal portraits, by using charcoal sticks, he creates a very delicate, detailed and characteristic portrait true to the likeness of the sitter.

Mehrdad moved to New Zealand in 1990, and his first work was exhibited at the Whitecliffe Art Gallery in Auckland -1991( group exhibition).

In 1991, Mehrdad decided to make Christchurch his home city, where he quickly built a reputation as a highly skilled portrait artist.

Mehrdad has also exhibited his works in Iran, Malaysia, Sweden.
His works are presented in private collections in Iran,
Switzerland,Sweden,Germany,Canada,UK,France,USA,Malaysia and NewZealand.

Mehrdad is an Award winner and has been a finalist in some of prestigious exhibition in New Zealand , such as Cranleigh Barton drawing award, Molly Morpeth canaday award, Adam portraiture award, Anthony Harper award exhibitions.
Mehrdad enjoys exploring a variety of mediums and styles.
Presently Mehrdad’s emphasis is on commissioned portraits. He has acquired considerable skill in all mediums, including charcoals and oil painting over many years. He also teaches drawing and painting to adults and children at the SABLE ART STUDIO – GALLERY , 230 St Asaph St, opposite the Drawing Room-Christchurch, as well as holding workshops throughout the Canterbury region.
Ref: The concise Dictionary of New Zealand Artists

**Awards

2010- Merit Award-Molly Morpeth Canaday Art Award-Whakatane
2009- Premier award winner- Malvern community Arts Council ,annual exhibition
2009- Art2die4 Award(sponsord by the Bryce Gallery),Ashburton Society of Arts,45th Annual exhibition.
2008- Ashburton Licensing Trust Premier Award winner, Ashburton Society of Arts,44th Annual exhibition
2008- People’s Choice award, Ashburton Society of Arts, 44th Annual exhibition
2007- Award of Excellence, Malvern Community Arts Council
2006- Finalist in Adam portraiture Award ,NZ Portrait Gallery-Wellington
2004- Finalist in Anthony Harper Award,Centre Of Contemporary Art CoCA,Christchurch
2004- Finalist in Adam Portraiture Award , NZ Portrait Gallery-Wellington
2003- Finalist in Cranleigh Barton Award,The Christchurch Art Gallery
2002- Finalist in Adam portraiture Award, NZ Portrait gallery ,Wellington