TEHRAN -- Today marks the birth anniversary of Iranian poet and painter Sohrab Sepehri.

Sepehri (mostly known by his first name Sohrab) was born in Kashan, Isfahan Province on October 7, 1928 and died on April 21, 1980.
He was a notable modern Iranian painter and poet who used the “New Poetry” (blank verse) style.
He is regarded as one of the most famous modern Iranian poets.
His poetry is full of humanity and concern for human values. He loved nature and refers to it frequently. His poetry has been translated into many languages including French, English, Spanish, Italian, Swedish, and Russian.
Following are some Iranian artistic and cultural figures’ views on Sohrab, his poetry, and his paintings:
Before his untimely death in 2005, graphic designer Morteza Momayyez described Sohrab as an eminent artist, saying, “When I got to know him, I saw he was a painter, but this is not downplaying the fact that he was also a poet. When an individual reads his poetry, it is as if he is looking at a picture. And when he looks at his paintings, he is actually reading Sohrab’s poetry, but with a different language, the language of images.
“Sohrab’s skill in painting and poetry reveals the fact that each artist must be aware of the kind of activity he is doing. An artist must have sufficient knowledge on his art form so that he can explain it and talk about it easily.”
Poet Ahmadreza Ahmadi said Sohrab was an artist who lingered on earth for a while, had experiences, began to walk, and headed toward the lost East.
“Sohrab experienced Japanese songs. The book ‘Downpour of Sunshine’ was created in those years. Later, he penned the book the ‘Green Space’ showing that he found the way that was best for him. Most of the poems in this book are invitations, that is, inviting people, flowers, water, and whatever is in nature.”
Writer and poet Ali Musavi Garmarudi is convinced that Sohrab understood Nima (the father of blank verse in Iran) and his poetry, but followed his path with his own unique character.
“He explained himself with colors and words. He painted with both of them. He also composed his poetry with the two.”
Actor Khosro Shakibaii stated, “For me, Sohrab is all of life. He is the manifestation of mankind, the man who heads toward light. We still beg a smile and are in dire need of a look. We need our special language, and Sohrab had his special language of the modern world. In his book ‘Water’s Footsteps’, Sohrab has avoided any pretension; he has moved toward light and a new birth, from his childhood to adulthood.