In a captivating blend of culture, sustainability and luxury, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl - Qatar unveiled its exciting collaboration with the acclaimed French-Iranian artist Sassan Behnam-Bakhtiar. This partnership showcased two stunning site-specific artworks, Jardin de la Paix and Jardin de la Vie, inspired by the landscapes of Doha. These pieces will permanently enhance the walkway leading to the iconic La Méditerranée Robuchon restaurant.
Drawing from his legacy work, Life Energy, Behnam-Bakhtiar’s pieces reflect a profound connection to the natural world and contemplate themes of human nature and existence. Carefully crafted from natural pigments derived from stones, wood and flowers, Behnam-Bakhtiar invites guests to marvel at the beauty of nature, and our place within it. Here, MOJEH speaks to the artist about his collaboration.
How did the collaboration with Four Seasons The Pearl-Qatar come about?
The collaboration with Four Seasons The Pearl-Qatar originated during a visit last year to the opening of La Méditerranée Robuchon at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl-Qatar. That evening held particular significance for me; I had the privilege of knowing Robuchon personally, and I fondly recalled our conversations about the intertwined worlds of food and art. While walking through the property with the general manager Mehdi, we came across a long white corridor leading to the restaurant entrance. It seemed predestined for something special.
My relationship with the Four Seasons property in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, a place close to my heart and adjacent to my art studio, further influenced the decision. Several of my works are permanently displayed there, creating a personal connection with the brand. That night, we envisioned a bridge linking Doha and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, embodying my ties to both locations in one cohesive project.
The choice of the Four Seasons at The Pearl-Qatar as the home for Jardin de la Vie and Jardin de la Paix just felt right. The property brings forth a balance of energy, with an appreciation for the arts, and the team has been wonderful showing their passion and commitment to this collaboration.
Could you walk us through your process of translating the emotions in your main works into the layered visuals we see in these two pieces?
My creative process is deeply rooted in connecting with the land, the people, the community, and the surrounding energy. Although I have only been physically in Doha for a few months, a particularly vivid memory comes to mind: one day, I found myself lying on the sand dunes, gazing up at the stars. It was beautiful—I felt a deep sense of belonging, as if I had been here in another life. This experience brought me a sense of calm and freedom, pushing me to look at my life in a different way.
Inspired by my profound connection with Doha, I sought to translate these emotions onto my canvases. This intention is reflected in the layered visuals of the two works you see today.
As an artist who paints energy, how do Jardin de la Paix and Jardin de la Vie embody the energy and emotion here in Qatar?
As an artist deeply engaged with the concept of energy, I feel a sense of responsibility. I spent over a decade in the south of France getting lost in nature, absorbing lessons on the interconnectedness of love, life, and energy – I have probably painted every corner of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Upon arriving in Doha from Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, I was compelled to immerse myself in the local landscape, from the beautiful sand dunes at the inland sea to the wonderful lush and green farms all around Doha and everything in between. When you combine this world with my world in the South of France, something magical happens. It created a tingling under my skin, driving the emotional and energetic foundation of Jardin de la Paix and Jardin de la Vie.
What is the overarching message behind the Life Energy series, and how do you see this impacting the creative youth in communities?
Life Energy is a series dedicated to fostering the creative youth. I produced unusually small-scale, 20 by 20 centimeters paintings to fund young aspiring artists who want to make a living from their practice. It is very difficult for young artists to break through, and as we move forward in modern times, it does not get any easier. I faced many hurdles myself, and now at 40, I want to use these works—miniature jewels—to generate funds that help young creatives.
How do your recycled materials and natural pigments enhance the connection between your works and the surrounding environment?
It is every human being’s responsibility to contribute to our planet's health. As an artist, I respect all creatives, as working with natural pigments is difficult and expensive. However, I've transitioned to using natural pigments and sustainably sourced materials, as I couldn’t continue any other way. This shift has been an incredible journey that not only reflects my commitment to the planet but also aims to inspire younger artists to adopt a similar approach.
What message would you give to aspiring artists?
If you're truly an artist, it runs in your veins, and not pursuing it can leave you feeling ill. I have faced significant challenges and skepticism, but the key is to persevere. Ignore the critics, focus on your passion, and push forward with determination. It will be tough, it will be challenging, but focus on what you believe in and never give up. Once you get there, you will probably feel at your greatest.
You have Franco-Iranian heritage. How does your origin shape your approach to creating art?
My Franco-Iranian heritage significantly influences my approach to art. I was born in Neuilly-sur-Seine, near Paris, and spent the early years of my life with my father, a prominent figure in Iran's contemporary art scene before the revolution and an artist himself. He introduced me to art early on, taking me to museums to admire French impressionists like Paul Signac and Monet, which to me, as a four-year-old, was like looking at candy.
This exposure sparked my desire to paint. I lived in my father's small apartment on Ile-Saint-Louis in Paris, overlooking narrow streets with the Seine just behind. I would sit at the window every day, playing the artist, and painting these scenes in a very abstract way.
At the age of eight, my mother took me to Iran. It was a different, post-revolution, Iran, but I always see the cup as half full. After adjusting to a new way of life, I set off with my camera to explore Iran, to understand my roots. It was the best decision of my life. I chose to attend public Iranian schools and quickly learned the language. I'm the only one in my family who graduated high school in Iran, which allowed me to truly immerse myself in Persian culture. I started practicing traditional arts like “ghalam zani,” working with mosaics, drawing and photography. Despite the lack of infrastructure, Iranians are extremely creative, and I always enjoyed the close relationship with our fellow Iranian creatives in and outside of Iran.
These experiences in Iran post formative early years in Paris, culminated in shaping the signature style of my work today. It's always interesting to hear how critics describe my work, seeing different influences related to my heritage.
Why Qatar?
It began with a stopover on a flight from the Maldives to the South of France. We planned to stay in Doha for a week, which extended to 10 days. Exploring Qatar felt like discovering a hidden jewel. The country seems to echo a bygone era; it’s safe and upholds values conducive to raising a young family - I have a five-year-old son. The cultural scene here, encompassing arts, cinema, and theatre, is vibrant, and the people are incredibly welcoming. I’ve made numerous friends, particularly from the local communities.
The mindset here is distinct from other countries, and we consider ourselves fortunate to have discovered this place when we did. My son already identifies as being from Qatar – if you ask him where he’s from he will tell you “I’m from Doha” - it’s quickly become a place we call home.
What colours and textures does Doha evoke for you?
The beautiful dark orange sunset, shades of green in vast farms hidden behind palm trees, and the sand dunes of the inland sea merging with the sky and the sea certainly made their presence felt when creating Jardin de la Vie and Jardin de la Paix.
How has fatherhood changed your approach as an artist?
I remember the day my son was born. Once I held him in my arms for the first time, he looked at my face with barely opened eyes, and then smiled for the first time. He felt safe, connected and even though just starting his life in this world, he was radiating a vast amount of pure energy. I connected to that instantly. It changed me as a human being.
My son instilled in me a deeper sense of love and appreciation for life which came with being a parent. Now, year after year he shows me an alternative way of being connected to life. This pushed me to dive deeper into my creative practice, bringing forth layers upon layers of our humanity onto the surface of my canvases.
We are painting together now and it is truly wonderful to see him create art with a free mind.
Do you have any plans for other works in Doha or any projects on the radar that we should know about?
I can't say anything for the time being, but there are conversations going on about something special.
