Born in 1974 in Tehran, Alireza Asanloo (علیرضا آسانلو) exhibited an innate interest in art since childhood. Though largely self-taught, he advanced under the teachings of master artist Morteza Katoozian and others, becoming a highly accomplished painter and sculptor. Asanloo’s studies in sociology, philosophy and aesthetics also helped inform his creative process by being in the moment and in harmony with life.

His paintings have been exhibited in several countries and his sculptures of many eminent Iranians; historical figures, scientists, artists and others are installed in a number of museums, universities and cultural centers. Among his subjects are legendary actor Ezzatollah Entezami, famed film director Abbas Kiarostami, the celebrated contemporary female poet Forough Farrokhzad, and more recently, Iran’s legendary world champion wrestler Gholamreza Takhti.

In late 2016, Asanloo was invited to participate in the first Paris Art Fair Award (International Painting Symposium, UNESCO) where he was recognized as the best among 50 artists worldwide.

After the UNESCO event Asanloo traveled to the United States where he stayed in the Washington, DC area for about six months. He worked fervently during this time, creating paintings and sculptures while holding workshops, giving lectures and exhibiting his work. He also took the opportunity to twice visit his biggest artistic influence, Vermont-based master painter Richard Schmid, with whom he collaborated in joint art workshops.

Asanloo currently resides in Tehran, working in his busy studio and teaching his large and popular art classes.

Alireza Asanloo on Instagram

The Mossadegh Project commissioned Alireza Asanloo to begin work on the Mossadegh sculpture in January 2017, during his short stay in the United States. It was completed in May 2017.

Asanloo began by sculpting a wax portrait based on provided photo reference. A mold was then made by brushing several layers of liquid silicone on its surface.

Then came the laborious phase of creating a rigid support for the flexible mold. This required applying a thick layer of plaster all around and waiting for it to cure. The plaster cast was then carefully bisected like a sea shell, allowing the wax portrait to be removed from inside.

The next step was to close the plaster cast tightly with the silicone mold inside and pour liquid resin in the upside down mold cavity. After waiting for the resin to harden, the plaster casting and overlaying mold was removed, exposing the constructed sculpture. Finally, a bronze patina was applied.

We believe the finished bust, which weighs 60 pounds, is possibly the best such representation of Dr. Mossadegh to date. Now available to loan for public display, interested parties may inquire by