Biography
....Before me stood the very image of a childhood dream. I was stunned. How had a vision I held at age fourteen those days filled with reading the lyrical verses of ‘Hafez ’(the legendary Persian poet whose divan resides in every Iranian home and whose ghazals are recited during national celebrations, admired by global literary giants like Goethe) become a tangible reality? Back then, I used to search the intricate patterns of Persian carpets for the most graceful ‘Atlas’ flowers and imagined one day establishing a cozy art studio, with a window that opened to a vibrant garden…
And now, that dream had materialized, down to its very details.
The small, springtime garden of Saqi Gallery
Where It All Began
Why did I turn to art? Perhaps because, since childhood, trees and soil, stone and wood, mountains and seas seemed to call to me Because I longed for a place to watch sunsets, or trace constellations with my aunt on the rooftop sky. Maybe nature’s unparalleled harmony gifted me a visual mind. Whatever the cause, I was mesmerized by form drawn to the colors beneath tree canopies, the dance of green leaves against blue sky.
I wanted to capture the harmony of green leaves against the blue sky but the project photographer spontaneously captured this very momonet
In the Spell of the Pen
The silver-engraved pen case, a keepsake from my father
I love my handcrafted wooden pen cases with all my heart.
Between Motherhood and Mastery
With poetry weaving through my life and the pen shaping my world, I chose to study Religions and Mysticism at the University of Tehran (Iran’s top humanities institution), driven by my love for Sufi thought. While studying, I taught calligraphy through the university’s cultural programs. Motherhood led me to pause my professional artistic journey for several years—until, in 2009, I resumed calligraphy under Master Mohammad Heydari in the Shekasteh Nasta’liq style and held my first solo exhibition at Atashzad Gallery in 2011.
On the slanted canvas, I had written: "The scent of a lock of hair drove me mad..."
The visitor had beautiful hair, and the exhibition photographer captured that beauty in a fleeting moment. Exhibition-2019
The Saqi Years: Exhibitions, Mentorship, and Artistic Growth
In 2013, I founded Saqi Gallery and since then have hosted dozens
of solo and group exhibitions, the details of which appear in the
Exhibition section of this site.
During these years of learning and teaching at Saqi Gallery, one
of the most influential mentors in my artistic journey was Dr.
Sasan Mostafavi. His unique approach to abstract calligraphic
painting opened new creative dimensions for me.
I had the privilege of studying with him during his brief stay in
Iran, and through his lens, I discovered the abstract potential
within calligraphy.
A frame from the project documenting Freshteh Moghaddasi's creative process in abstract art - where the camera quietly follows the unfolding of form and feeling. 2024
Designing Meaning: From Calligraphy to Brand Identity
That turning point inspired me to pursue a Master’s in Graphic
Design—where branding and visual identity became central to my
vision. My deeper studies in brand strategy and identity design
broadened my creative path.
Now, I live in Toronto, building the foundation for a new art
studio...
Would you like to see a few abstract pieces hanging on the wall?
Click and come along...