"Everything that is made beautiful, fair and lovely is made for the eye of one who sees."
— Rumi
Safoura Haghighi was raised in a family deeply rooted in traditional Persian painting. As a fifth-generation artist of the Emami Family, her roots stretch back to the last Persian empire—a lineage dedicated to the revival of Persian miniature and illumination.
She is profoundly influenced by her late grandfather, Mirza Aqa Emami, whose works are preserved in the Louvre and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and even featured on Persian national currency. Under the tutelage of her aunt, Zinat Emami, Safoura mastered the disciplined precision of the Safavid style.
Persian poetry is central to her work, especially the mystical writings of Rumi. For Safoura, poetry is an intimate experience where emotion, meaning, and intuition converge. Her paintings emerge as visual expressions of these inner resonances.
While rooted in Persian painting, her work unfolds as a dialogue between East and West—where tradition meets a more personal, contemporary expression.
Safoura Haghighi | Traditional Artist
Mastering the mediums of ink, gouache, and watercolor.
Defined by two-dimensional depictions of a divine realm, Safoura’s miniatures are a departure from European styles. Her work reflects a "charming silence" and tranquility, portraying elements of delicacy and mildness originally developed to decorate sacred poetry books.
Literally "Bird and Flower," this style captures the spiritual dialogue between nature and the soul. Safoura utilizes traditional Safavid techniques to create vivid, multidimensional experiences that bridge the gap between mundane life and intangible poetry.
The art of illumination. Using gold leaf and geometric precision, Safoura frames the "Idealized Paradise." This aesthetic principle focuses on visually pleasing decoration, acting as the radiant "clothing" for the verses of Rumi and Saadi.
Inspired by the verses of Rumi.
Exhibitions, shows, and special projects.
Featured artist showcasing traditional Persian miniature painting during the annual Great Falls Studio Tour.
Selected for digital exhibition showcasing traditional Persian miniature and illumination art.
Work featured in Circle Arts' curated digital display, highlighting contemporary artists preserving traditional Islamic art forms.
Featured in the International Arts & Culture Collective exhibition celebrating Islamic geometric patterns and calligraphic traditions.
Presented traditional Persian illumination techniques alongside contemporary interpretations of sacred geometry, demonstrating the enduring legacy of Islamic artistic traditions.
A solo art exhibition in TD Bank's corporate art exhibition showcasing regional artists.
Traditional Persian miniature and illumination works displayed as part of TD Bank's community art program, bringing Persian artistic heritage to a broader audience.
Original Persian rose artwork selected as the official logo for the Zarife Rose brand.
A traditional gol va morgh style rose painting was chosen to represent the luxury brand, capturing the elegance and timeless beauty of Persian floral artistry.
Original handmade Persian carpet.
Designer: Safoura Haghighi
Producer: Original Haghighi Carpet (Danial Haghighi)
Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.5 meters
A stunning rug inspired by Safoura's painting of the same design.
Featured artist in Circle Arts' Spotlight 39 edition highlighting exceptional contemporary artists.
Selected for this prestigious showcase celebrating artists who bridge traditional techniques with contemporary vision, bringing Persian miniature artistry to an international audience.