The Australia Council wishes to acknowledge the passing of Hossein Valamanesh and recognise his extraordinary artistic contribution to Australian arts and culture. 

Born in Tehran in 1949 Hossein came to Australia in 1973 where he developed a compelling body of work with a rigorously poetic practice that expanded the definition of Australian visual art.  

As one of our leading artists he has exhibited both nationally and internationally. His major retrospective Puisque tout passe (This will also pass) is currently showing at Institut des Cultures d’Islam (ICI) in Paris. 

The Australia Council has been honoured to have been part of Valamanesh’s artistic journey awarding him several grants including the Visual Arts Fellowship in 1998. 

Australia Council Head of Visual Arts Mikala Tai said:  

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of such an important artist and mentor of the Australian visual arts community. His gentle and generous nature will be greatly missed, it has anchored and guided the artistic community. We have no doubt that Hossein’s oeuvre will continue to inspire audiences long into the future and that his kindness will be long remembered. Our thoughts are with Angela and Nassiem and his family and friends at this time.”