A Short Biography

Darab Shabahang has worked as an artist, musician, graphic designer and community arts activist for more than forty years in Iran, Canada and the United States. Prior to the revolution, Shabahang studied Physics in India but the continuation of his formal education was interrupted by the social and civil unrest in Iran that deeply affected him and encouraged his political involvement in India and Europe. Upon his return to Iran, he turned to art and began his lifelong career in the field.

Shabahang studied under Hossein Sheykh, and Ruyin Pakbaz, among others, in Iran. In 1983, he established the Shabahang Art Atelier in Tehran which would become hub of activity for Iranian artists and musicians.

In 1996, Shabahang and his family emigrated to Vancouver, Canada in the hopes of providing greater opportunities to his daughters. In Vancouver, Shabahang continued contributing to the arts community as director and juror for the North Vancouver Community Arts Council, and chair of the Visual Arts Committee of the West Vancouver Library. While in Vancouver, he established Artpars Original Fine Arts and its partner organization, the Web Association of Canadian Artists. 

During this time Mr. Shabahang curated several exhibitions including a project with the Society of Iranian Painters which was sponsored by the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Arts. He also has pursued his own interest and research in classical Persian painting, “negargary,” traditional Persian music and graphic design. He has resided in Maryland with his family since 2004 and continues to pursue these interests.