Presentation - Ali Adeli

CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY

Ali Adeli was one of the remarkable artists of the 20th century, leaving his personal and refined signature across a variety of disciplines such as art, graphic art, architecture, interior design, and design. His journey, both uncommon and deeply tragic, was nothing short of astonishing.

A Swiss journalist once said, "Ali Adeli was a multifaceted artist." But was that truly enough to describe the extent of his creative genius?

Ali Adeli
Photographed by the newspaper Le Nouveau Quotidien
1992 / Fribourg

Ali Adeli, born on April 28, 1946, in Tehran, grew up in a large family. From the age of eight, he developed a passion for drawing, although his father, a military man, disapproved of this path.

At 16, despite his father's opposition, he enrolled at the Tehran School of Fine Arts. A year later, the sudden death of his father, caused by an asthma attack, forced him to take on the responsibility of caring for his mother and five sisters.

He continued his studies while working in painting studios to support his family. Through his passion and hard work, he won first prizes in nearly every section of the school, including painting, sculpture, and miniature art.

1962 - 1970 / FINE ARTS & DECORATIVE ARTS

A diploma from the Tehran School of Fine Arts was not enough for him. After studying there from the age of 16 to 20, Ali Adeli decided to continue his education in interior design at the Tehran School of Decorative Arts, where he studied from 20 to 24 years old.

At the same time, he remained devoted to his passion for painting and continued to participate in various exhibitions and galleries.

"The Man Who Poses" – Felt-tip Sketch on Paper
Adeli Family Collection
Montreux, Switzerland

"The Man Who Poses" – Gouache on Paper
Adeli Family Collection
Montreux, Switzerland

During his studies, he stood out not only for his talent but also for his spirit of camaraderie.

Indeed, he regularly participated in exhibitions organized within the academy, often alongside other students.

These moments of exchange and collaboration enriched his artistic development, immersing him in various influences while strengthening his own vision.

Ali Adeli (far right)
Faculty of Fine Arts, Tehran
1965

"The Orange Red Woman" - Oil Painting 1968
Adeli Family Collection
Montreux – Switzerland

In 1970, after completing his studies in fine arts and decorative arts, Ali Adeli won first prize in the "Artistic Creation of the Palace of Youth" competition, an event bringing together the most talented young artists from Iran. This distinction marked a turning point in his career.

At the age of 24, he was appointed as a professor at the School of Decorative Arts. While dedicating part of his time to teaching, he created a small series of abstract paintings, marking a turning point in his artistic journey.

These works, with great subtlety, reveal a personal style in which shapes and colors break free from representation to express pure emotions.

Before joining the prestigious Ghiai architecture firm, this period of creation allowed him to assert his artistic identity.

Ali Adeli (far right)
Institute of Decorative Arts, Tehran
1970

"Abstract Landscape" - Oil on Paper
Collection of the Adeli Family
Montreux - Switzerland

"Bottles" - Oil on Paper
Collection of the Adeli Family
Montreux - Switzerland

1972 - 1979 / FROM ROYAL ARCHITECTURE TO POLITICAL TURMOIL

In 1972, Ali Adeli married and joined one of the most prestigious architectural firms in Tehran, led by the famous Persian architect Ghiaï, a close associate of the Iranian royal family. In this role, he was entrusted with large-scale projects, some of which were intended for the royal family itself.

Two years later, in 1974, as his first child was born, he made an important decision: to establish his own practice in partnership with the son of an Iranian ambassador. Until 1979, he oversaw a series of prestigious projects, including the design of villas, hospitals, restaurants, and several projects for the royal family.

A few months before the revolution, his talent caught the attention of Shams Pahlavi, the older sister of the Shah. She offered him the opportunity to take on several large-scale projects. He notably recounted that one day, before boarding a helicopter, she shook his hand and expressed her excitement about collaborating with a talented Persian architect, replacing the Italian architects who had been the usual collaborators until then.

Unfortunately, Shams Pahlavi never returned from that trip, as the Islamic Revolution of 1979, which upheaved the political and social order in Iran, abruptly changed the course of his life and career.

Ambassador's Office Project
1977 / Tehran, Iran

Hand-Drawn Perspective
Project for the Shah’s Palace
1973 / Tehran, Iran

Mofid Hospital (Children’s Hospital)
View of the Entrance Hall
1977 / Tehran, Iran

Construction Site of a Villa for the Royal Family
Ali Adeli (far right)
1979 / Tehran, Iran

In 1979, the Islamic Revolution shook Iran, leading to severe repression of art and culture. For Ali Adeli, an artist accustomed to great creative freedom, this was a shock.

While the revolution was unfolding, the Iran-Iraq war broke out, plunging the country into destruction and uncertainty. The climate of war and censorship made any artistic activity impossible, and Ali Adeli’s career seemed suddenly interrupted.

In the face of this situation, he decided to leave Iran overnight. After a challenging journey, which included stops in Karachi and London, he ultimately found refuge in Switzerland.

1981 - 1983 / RENEWAL IN SWITZERLAND: THE ART OF MURANO IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Murano Glass Chandelier
Design by Ali Adeli
1983 / Geneva, Switzerland

Through old Iranian connections, Ali Adeli was introduced to a Geneva-based firm and settled in the city of Calvin in 1981, where he began collaborating with this company, which specialized in "Murano Glass," the renowned Venetian glass art.

During this collaboration, he pushed the boundaries of his creativity by designing innovative lamps and chandeliers.

His creations, blending technical expertise and elegant design, quickly gained great success, attracting a diverse clientele.

Sketch of a Murano Glass Chandelier
Design by Ali Adeli
1983 / Geneva, Switzerland

Meanwhile, Ali Adeli also designed refined decorative objects for the same company, intended for a Middle Eastern clientele. Inspired by traditional Oriental art, his creations were crafted with meticulous attention to detail and a keen sense of elegance.

Using noble materials and high-quality artisanal techniques, he created pieces that combined sophistication and functionality. Whether vases, lamps, or other decorative elements, each piece embodied a subtle balance between classical forms and contemporary influences.

While embarking on this new professional journey, his family remained in Iran, under the persistent shadow of the revolutionary regime, until September 1983.

Sketch of a Fruit Bowl
Design by Ali Adeli
1983 / Geneva, Switzerland

Hand-Drawn Perspective (Facade)
Project for the Sorelle Fontana Boutique
1983 / Geneva, Switzerland

1985 - 1986 / FRIBOURG INSPIRATION

In 1984, Ali Adeli agreed to replace a former colleague in the small town of Fribourg as an artistic advisor for a book project. He moved there with his family, but this collaboration only lasted a year.

In 1985, seeking new opportunities, he traveled to the United States to explore the American market. After a first stop in Washington, followed by California, he ultimately chose the latter and moved to Los Angeles with his family during the summer of that same year.

However, his wife’s pregnancy disrupted their plans. Just three months after settling in the United States, he decided to return to Switzerland. Back in Fribourg, he dedicated himself to his family while creating a new series of oil paintings.

Blending surrealism with still lifes, his works stand out for their interplay of colors and unique harmony, capturing attention with their depth and visual richness. This return to Switzerland marked a new turning point in his artistic journey.

Fusing surrealism and still lifes, his works are distinguished by their play of colors and unique harmony, capturing attention with their depth and visual richness. This return to Switzerland indeed marked a significant turning point in his artistic journey.

"The Fruit Bowl" – Oil on Canvas
Adeli Family Collection
Fribourg, Switzerland

His paintings, vibrant with colors, blend floral motifs, scenes of radiant fruits, and landscapes, oscillating between abstraction and realism. Each nuance captures the light and energy of the surrounding nature, reflecting his awe for the beauty of Switzerland, extending beyond even the old town of Fribourg and its historic architecture.

These works embody the perfect fusion of his unique artistic perspective and his deep connection with the light, forms, and natural richness that surround him.

"Fribourg Cubism" – Oil on Canvas
Adeli Family Collection
Fribourg, Switzerland

"Wild Flowers" – Oil on Canvas
Adeli Family Collection
Fribourg, Switzerland

"Orchid" – Oil on Canvas
Adeli Family Collection
Fribourg, Switzerland

1986 - 1987 / CONQUERING AMERICA

In April 1986, after the birth of his second son, Ali Adeli decided to return to the United States, this time alone, to relaunch his career in interior design and architecture.

Upon arriving in Los Angeles, several companies showed interest in his work, reinforcing his decision to return to America. He convinced his wife to stay in Fribourg with the children while he would split his time between projects in the United States and visits to Switzerland.

Shortly after his arrival, the J.P. Barich company and Suzanne Dahl entrusted him with creating sets for films and the TV series Dynasty. His creations, regarded as works of art, highlighted his unique style: applied art in architecture. Thanks to their promotion in the company’s catalogs, his projects gained exposure on the West Coast of the United States, further boosting his reputation.

Hand-Drawn Perspective – Hollywood Film Scene
Project for P. Barich & Suzanne Dahl Company
1986 / Los Angeles, USA

Thanks to his collaboration with J.P. Barich and Suzanne Dahl, Ali Adeli caught the attention of Walter Jenkins, a company specializing in automotive transformation, which entrusted him with an audacious challenge: to reinvent the Lincoln Continental in three exclusive versions.

With no automotive experience but staying true to his design vision, he created:

An extended limousine for VIP transport.
A city coupe for open-air elegance.
A landaulet combining luxury and refinement for official ceremonies.

His work exemplified the rise of automotive customization, redefining the prestige of the Lincoln Continental.

Hand-Drawn Perspective of Lincoln Continental – Landaulet Model
Project for Walter Jenkins N.I.A.S.E.
1986 / Los Angeles, USA

Lincoln Continental – Landaulet Model Completed
1986
Los Angeles, USA

Ali Adeli also explored the world of Art Deco by receiving a commission for 50 limited edition pieces for a gallery in Los Angeles.

He designed and created a series of paintings that served as doors for a buffet cabinet, employing innovative techniques such as giclée painting with lacquer, as well as using gold leaf and white surfaces blended with egg shells, adding a unique and distinctive dimension to his compositions.

"Man and Woman" – Golden Series (50 Editions)
Private Collection
Los Angeles, USA

Ali Adeli’s journey has been marked by many twists and turns, and when revolutions are not political, they are economic.

The stock market crash of 1987 deprived him of a monumental contract he was about to finalize with a client active in the stock market for a large interior design project in California.

Deeply affected by this immense disappointment, he decided to return to Switzerland and settle once again in Fribourg with his family, a place where he felt in harmony.

It was there that he decided to open his studio and his own gallery, near the majestic Saint-Nicolas Cathedral, which he had always admired.

1987 - 1988 / RETURN TO FRIBOURG & GOLD IN ART

In his new studio, he began creating more works, still drawing inspiration from his experience with the Art Deco series made for his last American client, focusing on the theme of figures and using the technique of gold leaf and egg shells.

He produced an entire series of works and regularly received commissions from various clients.

"Man and Woman 2"
Private Collection
Fribourg, Switzerland

"Man and Woman 3"
Private Collection
Fribourg, Switzerland

During this period, Ali Adeli explored plaster bas-relief, carefully carving it before covering it with gold leaf.

The delicate application of acrylic paint on this base creates a fascinating contrast between the light of the gold and the fluidity of the colors.

The final varnish enhances the brilliance of the piece, merging tradition and modernity in a creation where every nuance blends seamlessly.

"The Woman" – Plaster Bas-Relief Covered in Gold Leaf
Adeli Family Collection
Montreux, Switzerland

1988 - 1991 / "CREATIVE GEOMETRY": ALI ADELI'S INNOVATION

The following year, building on the techniques he had experimented with in the golden series, he isolated himself in his studio for several months to create a new line of geometric paintings, inspired by Victor Vasarely, in limited editions.

In the style of automotive painting, he used a compressor to apply the colors.

His philosophy was clear: "This line can be transposed onto any object: tables, mirrors, chairs, lamps, or any other item."

His unique style blended the experience he had gained in art, architecture, and design through his years of work across multiple continents. It was at this moment that his brand, "Adeli Création," was born.

His unique style merged his extensive experience in art, architecture, and design, shaped by years of work across multiple continents.

Cover of His Catalog Featuring the Adeli Création Logo, Designed by the Artist Himself.

"Geometries Collection" Nos: 2012, 2010, 2011, 2013
Adeli Family Collection
Montreux, Switzerland

"Geometries Collection" Nos: 2036, 2027, 2041, 2029
Adeli Family Collection
Montreux, Switzerland

"Geometries Collection" Nos: 2030, 2037
Adeli Family Collection
Montreux, Switzerland

"Geometric Tables Collection" No: 2010
Adeli Family Collection
Montreux, Switzerland

In the meantime, he took part in numerous exhibitions across several cities in Switzerland, where his creations captivated the attention of private collectors. These collectors eagerly acquired several of his works. At the same time, his work also attracted the interest of industrialists, who sought his expertise for the design of false ceilings, metal partitions, innovative bathrooms, and custom-made mirrors.

"Geometries Collection" - Salon suisse du meuble Exhibition
1989
Bern, Switzerland

EXHIBITIONS

"Geometries Collection" - Mirror Design
1989
Fribourg, Switzerland

Close-up of the design of a metal ceiling created for Plafonds Godel
1991
Domdidier - Suisse

Exhibition Space Design for Plafonds Godel
1991
Domdidier - Switzerland

1993 - 1997 / THE LAST HORIZON: IRAN REDISCOVERED

Ali Adeli was always in search of new motivations and inspirations. In 1993, after completing yet another artistic cycle in Switzerland, he decided to relaunch his career in Iran, his home country, after twelve years of absence.

Professionally, his return, initially a risky move, proved to be a successful gamble. Spotted by real estate developers, he was chosen to reinvent the design of a 13-story tower, the "Park Miniature," after they had parted ways with the original architect. He reimagined the façade and interior design, leaving his unique mark on the project, which remains one of the most well-known towers in Tehran. From his office on-site, he also oversaw the creation of two penthouses at the top of the same building.

However, this return to his homeland also marked the final stop of his tumultuous journey between America, Europe, and Iran. For in September 1997, while driving alone in the Hamadan region in northwestern Iran, a tragic accident abruptly ended the course of his life. His sudden and unexpected passing at the age of 51 came in the silence he had always wished for a quick and painless death, yet marked by an untimely departure, leaving his wife and two sons in Switzerland orphaned of their father.

Ali Adeli leaves behind an architectural and artistic legacy of unparalleled depth and richness. An eternal testament to his creative vision and genius.

Park Miniature Tower
Façade under construction
1995 / Tehran - Iran