Welcome to Perviz Heyat's Official Website

My life in Istanbul, Turkey 1958-1982

I was born in Feb. 1958, in Karachi Pakistan. Lived in Istanbul Turkey until age 25.

At age 15, I received private oil painting lessons from Professor A. Sumer in Istanbul for one year.
Prof. Sumer was teaching art at the National Academy of Art in Istanbul and he was one of the prominent impressionist artists in Turkey. He had his training in Paris and he thought me the impressionist painting techniques, mostly his own and helped me to organize myself in style.
First competition at age 16, regional high school painting competition, received second place.
Started medical school at age 17 (1975, 7 year pre-med, med curriculum).

I had my first solo art exhibition at age 19.
1977, Istanbul Turkey. Private gallery, participated with 35 paintings. These paintings were mostly mixed media and done over the course of previous 3-4 years.
I visited France and Italy every year from 1977 to 1982. During these trips I studied the art of modern and impressionist artists. I was particularly attracted to the work of Picasso, Miro, Cezanne, and Klee. Picasso was my favorite. These artists among others influenced my style for the next several years. I have studied history and philosophy of art as much as I could. I was impressed by the revolutionary teachings of Bauhaus school and chaotic philosophy of Dadaism.

I was unable to have another solo exhibition due to demanding schedule of my medical school, however, I did participate to group exhibitions sporadically from time to time.
My life in the USA, 1982- Present

Due to my passion for science and medicine, I came to the USA in Dec. 1982. At this point I mainly focused on learning the language and preparing for the medical board examinations.
I spent the next eight years with molecular biology research, Internal medicine specialty training, and studying for varieties of examinations.
Only after completing my medical specialty training in 1991 and passing the required exams I was able to go back to my art and be productive again.
I painted 10-12 paintings in 1992, they were large oil paintings. For the first time I could see a definite shift to abstract art and I believe there was some influence of J. Pollack and abstract expressionist style.
I participated in few competitions in Wheeling WV, and got a few ribbons.
I received an offer from Sony Pictures Classics to use my paintings in the production of a movie by Susan Skoog. My paintings were suppose to be the paintings of a talented starving artist that played one of the leading characters. This film was produced in 1997 under the title of “Whatever” and received good ratings in Sundance film festival.

After my divorce in 1994 I left Wheeling WV and traveled for several years as traveling doctor and mostly visited American Natives and their reservations in Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
I discovered J. M. Basquiat during this time and his work has influenced my art tremendously.

I was affected by the suffering and social issues related to the American Natives, as well as, naked cruelty and realities associated with industrial big city atmosphere. I tried to reflect these concepts and feelings in my paintings.
In 1999, after years of moving around I have decided to settle in Harrisonburg, VA and focus on my art and finances.
Since then I have painted more than 100 paintings, mostly large oil and multi media paintings on canvas.
After having few exhibitions locally my focus shifted to Washington DC area.
In 2003 I was selected by a jury composed of artist members to have the membership priviladges in the Studio Gallery in Washington DC.
Since 2003 I have exhibited my paintings regularly in the Studio Gallery in solo and group shows.
In 2005 I was also selected to have the priviledges of exhibiting my paintings in the Phoenix Gallery, in NY.

Currently I exhibit paintings and participate to group shows both in NY and Washington DC.
Thank you for your attention

Perviz Heyat