Title: Houshang Seyhoun, half a century of artistic activities in the world of art and architecture
Copyright: 1998
Publisher: Sabco Interests, Inc., Houston, Texas 77056 USA
Distributor: Sabco Interests, Inc., Houston, Texas 77056 USA
Printed in: Canada by Mitchell Press, Vancouver, BC V6J 1G3
Pages: 396 Size: 11 1/4" X 11 1/2 " (287 mm X 290 mm)
Material: 100 lb. Resolve Matte
Binding: Hard-bound only
Quantity: 2250 copies
Price: U.S.$125.00 + shipping + applicable taxes.

Recently, a delightful collection of paintings, drawings, sketches, and architectural designs by Dr. Houshang Seyhoun, the contemporary Persian artist and architect, has been published in a nicely crafted book titled: "Houshang Seyhoun, half a century of artistic activities in the world of art and architecture".

Some 396 pages of this precious collection is, in fact, a museum filled by fascinating artistic contributions of this great man to the Persian and world culture (see feature in The Iranian). It is an absolute 'must' in the library of anyone with an appreciation for genuine artistry and creativity. Many of the drawings in the book reflect the artist's deep-seated attachment to nature, and his respect for Persian culture.

Only 2,250 copies of this precious book have been published, soon to be out of print. The book has been priced at $125 (American) plus $5.95 for shipping and handling within the United States. An 8.25% tax will apply to shipments within the state of Texas. For ordering the book and information on shipping charges outside the U.S., please contact:

Sabco Interests, Inc.
1360 Post Oak Blvd.,
Suite 2130 Houston,
TX 77056-3023 Tel. (713) 840-1980
FAX (713) 840-0135
Email: sabco@sabcooil.com

Here is a synopsis of Dr. Seyhoun's biography presented in the book:

"Seyhoun received his education at the College of Fine Arts at the University of Tehran, where he later served as a Professor Of Architectural Design and Measurement. Shortly after graduation, his graduation project won the first prize in an art show in Tehran. In the years following the Second World War, Seyhoun won several additional contests and prizes for his architectural designs, including a monument at Teheran's central railway station and a commemorative monument and mausoleum of the great Iranian philosopher and physician, Avicenna, in Hamedan.

"In his designs, stone, brick, concrete and steel were used in such innovative and varied ways that they remain architectural and design models to the present day. Geometrical pure forms, such as squares, circles and equilateral triangles, are used logically and extensively throughout his works, always bearing in mind beauty and proportion. During the next twenty years Seyhoun designed mausoleums for Omar Khayam, Nader Shah, and Ferdowsi, as well as completing the main complex of the Majlis, and numerous other buildings in Teheran.

"In 1962 Seyhoun was appointed Dean of the School of Fine Arts and Architecture at Teheran University and immediately undertook a major restructuring of the College. He introduced new academic fields such as musicology, urban planning and dramatic arts.

"Over the years there have been many exhibits of Seyhoun's work, both at home and abroad. A 1968 exhibit in Teheran featured a new style of abstract drawing with pen and ink. In 1972 his work was part of the large group exhibition in Amherst, Massachusetts, USA, which included the works of Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso.

"In the 1970's, Seyhoun rediscovered the traditional Iranian art form of felting. Seyhoun traveled to Semnan to learn the art. Seyhoun's felting designs have added a unique dimension to a traditional Iranian folk art that was nearly lost.

"On February 2, 1980, Seyhoun left Tehran for Paris at the invitation of the French government. The previous year the Mayor of Nice had invited forty artists from around the world, including Seyhoun, to participate in the opening of the city's newest museum, the "Hors du Temps". In 1981, the museum was officially opened, and one of Seyhoun's works was hung as part of the permanent exhibition. He was also given honorary citizenship. A year later, he immigrated to Canada where he now resides permanently and continues his artistic endeavors. In 1989 he was honored by the City of Los Angeles for an exhibition of his work at the University of Southern California."