saLeh roZati – Multidisciplinary Artist

About Me

Hello, I am SaLeh RoZati.

I am an Iranian-Austrian actor and multidisciplinary artist based in Vienna. Since 2008, I have been living and working across Austria and the EU, exploring the intersections of photography, painting, video installation, and sound performance.

My Philosophy At the heart of my work is a dedication to humanity. Whether in visual art or performance, I believe that art must center on the human being and the importance of mutual respect. My portraits are not just images of others; I view them as a reflection of myself onto the person I am photographing. Similarly, my paintings are deeply personal. They are abstract-figurative interpretations inspired by my private life and experiences.

Sound & Performance In my musical work, I move in the tension field between electronic sound art and acoustic production. I blend traditional instruments like the cello and percussion with digital technology. This combination allows me to open up new auditory spaces, creating electroacoustic compositions that challenge the boundaries of conventional sound.

Background My practice is supported by extensive academic research. I hold degrees in Conceptual Art (Photography) from the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna and Stage Design from the University of Applied Arts Vienna. I am currently furthering my research with a PhD in Philosophy.

By weaving together these various genres, I strive to create a synthesis of expression—one that honors both technical innovation and the human spirit.

View My Portfolio

About

Vienna based artist

Since moving to beautiful Vienna in 2008, my work has existed at the intersection of sight and sound. With a background spanning classical & oriental music, Fine Arts, and Stage Design, I specialize in breaking down the boundaries between mediums.

My practice is two-fold:

Artistic: Creating award-winning photography, experimental sound installations & live audio visuals interactive performances, and performing for stage and screen.

Freelance: Providing professional creative solutions in Photography, stage & Film, and Finearts Production. I bring a unique, synthesized perspective to every project I touch.

© AmirG.

blurbHistory

My Story

The Early Years: Roots in Isfahan

I was born in 1982 in Isfahan, Iran. My artistic journey began early, deeply rooted in music. I spent my youth learning the daf (a traditional Persian frame drum) and the cello, studying under maestros in Tehran and developing a love for experimental composition. These early years formed the rhythmic foundation of my later multidisciplinary work.

The Move: Finding a New Canvas (2006–2008)

In the summer of 2006, I left Iran for Germany, where I spent two years immersing myself in the music scene. However, my artistic vision was expanding beyond sound. In October 2008, I moved to Vienna, Austria, which became my new home and creative base.

The Academic Era: Mastering the Visual (2008–2016)

Vienna sparked a period of intense academic and artistic growth for me.

  • Academy of Fine Arts Vienna: I studied Conceptual Arts and later Art and Photography, graduating with a Master of Arts in 2014. My thesis film, Ausländer/Liebe/Beziehung, was a major milestone.

  • University of Applied Arts Vienna: Simultaneously, I expanded my skills by studying Stage Design (starting 2009) and later pursuing a PhD in Philosophy (beginning 2016). This era was about synthesizing different forms—merging my musical background with visual arts, video, and performance.

The Breakthrough: Sony World Photography Award (2015)

A defining moment in my career came in 2015 when I won 1st Place at the Sony World Photography Awards in the Open People Category. This recognition on a global stage validated my photographic eye and opened doors for international exhibitions, including at Somerset House in London.

The Multidisciplinary Artist: Stage, Screen, and Sound

I don’t like to be boxed into one medium. Over the years, I have worked as a:

  • Performer & Musician: Creating sound installations and performing live electronics and percussion.

  • Actor: I have taken my presence to the screen and stage. Most notably, I played the role of the Storyteller (and Pardeh khan) in the film “Shahid” (2024), directed by Narges Kalhor, and appeared in “Happyland” (2025) directed by Evi Romen.

  • Visual Artist: My work continues to span painting, video installations, and photography, often exploring themes of identity and synthesis.

Today

Currently, I live and work in Vienna as a dual Austrian-Iranian citizen. My work remains a fusion of my history—bridging the gap between the auditory and the visual, the traditional roots of Isfahan and the conceptual rigour of Vienna.

Clients

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Museumsquartier Vienna

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l'oréal (under contract with woman magazine Austria)

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Recognition

Awards

Sony World Photography Awards

2015

Young Creative Chevrolet Awards

2013

Lichtfarben

2009