Nahid Kazemi III

 

 “You can be far away inside, and far away outside.” 

Over the rooftops and under the Moon  Written by JonArno Lawson and beautifully illustrated by Nahid Kazemi is a story of knowing yourself and finding where you fit. Nahid's magical illustrations are detailed, delicate, and colourful whirlwinds sometimes full of the busyness of action and sometimes full of the detail of quiet calmness and contemplation.  

Nahid Kazemi V

Even a weekend off is a busy weekend.
This weekend was spent at the Edinburgh book festival seeing and sometimes meeting my heroes. Starting with Iranian illustrator Nahid Kazemi, whom I have featured here many times.
Nahid read from her new book 'The orange house and led a short collage workshop or children which Freya and I participated in.

Below are some of Nahid's illustrations from 'Alive Again' by Ahmadreza Ahmadi.

Nahid Kazemi IV

Strange how I thought Nahid Kazemi's work looked like textiles and then I find this beautiful book in her portfolio, with composite print and textile illustrations for 'Ghech and Gheck I am a tailor'.

Nahid Kazemi III

Nahid Kazemi is an Iranian illustrator and here are her works for 'The world is not beautiful without trees' this is another book that I was lucky to see at the Blue Bird Books stand in Bologna. Indeed whilst I was at this stand I was almost brought to tears by the kindness of the people who gave me a book to keep. Iranian illustration has a style and visual culture that is unique and instantly recognisable. However, Nahid's style also drew lots of parallels for me with the work of  Annalisa Bollini as it looks very like textile or patchwork.

Nahid Kazemi II

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas and despite being woefully behind in my preparations, I would like to share some seasonal magic. This illustration is by the wonderful Iranian illustrator Nahid Kazemi from a book of poetry for children. 

Nahid Kazemi I

Nahid Kazemi is an Iranian illustrator who's work often features birds.
 I am beginning to see a cultural style across the work of the Iranian illustrators that I have showcased on this blog. There is a very abstract use of the pictorial space where blocks of colour or pattern hold areas of action or narrative. There is interesting blending of  techniques within compositions like the top illustration of Nahid's where she has combined print and hand drawn elements.