Iranian painter adopts unique style

You might call him the 'Michaelangelo' of Iran. He has taken up free-style painting on ceilings and walls. He's acquired a following for his work - people who are receptive to his distinctive style.

Iranian Fereydoun Kochakian found that painting on canvas inhibited his sense of artistry. Ceilings and walls, he says, are different. Those allow him to express his innermost thoughts and feelings.

The 48 year old likes to involve himself in different modes of expression, from painting to film directing and poetry. He particularly likes painting cherubs, baby angels reminiscent of works by the Italian master Raphael, Kochakian paints on ceilings like Michaelangelo.

Kochakian says his paintings are a true reflection of his state of mind on the day the work is done.

Fereydoun Kochakian, painter, said, "I have always seen children as angels. Children are angels indeed because they are sinless. It might have been my strongest motive for painting my inner child. At first, I drew on drawing boards but later I realized that I could better reflect the angelic nature of children with some kind of emotion. So I decided to paint on ceilings. This feeling came from my sense of cinematography because I am a filmmaker too. I believe my main intention was to paint the baby inside me on the ceiling."

Kochakian who began working with oils at the age of twelve is now one of the most sought after artisans in Iran. He has received commissions from France and the United Arab Emirates. He is currently working on a house in Dubai.

Kochakian says that none of his paintings are alike. All his works are unique.