Reza Babak, an actor who lives through poetry, painting
By Saeideh Ehsani Rad
Staff writer
Reza Babak, the actor beloved for his iconic role in ‘Ziba Barbershop,’ showcased his paintings at Saless Gallery in Tehran. Despite his extensive career in acting, Babak’s artistic journey as a painter has been just as significant. Visitors to his exhibition ‘Ba Babak’ (meaning “With Babak”) were able to meet the actor, chat with him, and take photos alongside his artwork.
In recent years, more filmmakers and actors have begun displaying their visual art, offering their fans a glimpse into their creative world beyond the screen and stage. Babak’s exhibition is part of this growing trend, where actors invite audiences to explore a new dimension of their artistic expression in galleries.
His friendly nature was evident as he hosted his fellow veteran colleagues, greeting them warmly and sharing laughter.
Curated by Arghavan Boroujeni and Shahram Azimi, Ba Babak features a selection of Babak’s works created over recent years. The exhibition opened on April 18 and closed on April 28. In the exhibition statement, Boroujeni describes Babak’s work as deeply connected to his acting career, with paintings that are as poetic and gentle as his film roles.
She notes that Babak’s art taps into a childlike unconsciousness, conveying raw emotions and memories.
Babak himself has shared his artistic journey: “I’ve been painting for years. It began early in my life, though there were periods when I stopped. Over time, I became more serious about it, starting with watercolors. When I wasn’t acting, painting helped release my emotions and filled the void of not performing.”
This exhibition is Babak’s second solo show. His first, ‘The Sound of Painting,’ took place in 1999 at the Sako Gallery.
Azimi, the curator, explained that his friendship with Babak led to the exhibition, after seeing the emotional depth in Babak’s paintings. The works on display span from the 1970s to the present, reflecting Babak’s ongoing passion for art. Babak has mentioned that painting gives him peace and helps release the stresses of everyday life.
The exhibition includes nearly 100 pieces, all with unique emotional depth. Babak views acting as a profession to earn a living, but painting is a heartfelt, personal expression.
Azimi believes the involvement of filmmakers in visual art depends on the quality of their work. “Some actors create impressive art, and there’s no harm in showcasing it,” he said. “The fame of an actor may influence pricing, but it’s up to the buyer whether they value the signature or the quality of the work.”
The exhibition’s title, ‘Ba Babak,’ reflects the warmth Babak shares with his audience, much like his paintings, which connect effortlessly with viewers. Prices for his works range from 15 million to 100 million Iranian rials, making them accessible to a wide audience.
Childlike and captivating works
Reza Babak’s paintings are filled with elements like fish, birds, plants, and imagination—each a testament to his vivid creativity. Displayed in small to medium sizes at Saless Gallery, these works offer a window into his rich artistic world. While Babak is primarily recognized for his acting career, his artistic endeavors are equally significant. His roles in theater, television, and film have made him a beloved figure in Iran, embodying calmness, warmth, and kindness. Through his diverse work in acting, directing, writing, and voice acting, Babak showcases his open-minded, exploratory nature.
Oman Bonakdar’s introduction to Babak’s visual art came through a group exhibition highlighting the works of filmmakers. Intrigued by Babak’s personal approach to painting, Bonakdar visited the actor’s home to explore his collection further. There, he encountered a kind, straightforward man whose personality matched the warmth Babak exuded on screen. When complimented on one of his paintings, Babak humbly responded, “I don’t know!” Initially seen as a humble reply, it soon became clear that for Babak, painting transcends notions of “good” or “bad.” It is a form of personal reflection and a meditative process that unfolds in moments of quiet solitude.
What makes Babak’s paintings stand out is their deep connection to his personal character. The works are characterized by simplicity, intuition, and a fearless approach to color. His paintings reflect the playful, carefree spirit of a child, one who enjoys the act of creation without being concerned with the final outcome. His style is bold and spontaneous, with an uninhibited use of color and medium. Through his art, Babak reveals a new side of himself—a creator who invites the viewer into his imaginative world, offering vibrant and free-spirited expressions that speak to his inner creativity.