Ali Amehkan, a famous Iranian children’s book illustrator died on March 10, 2011, after a months-long fight against cancer. He was 34.
Amehkan began illustrating children’s books in 1997 and has left behind indelible work. His illustrations grace the pages of “Learning Farsi through Literature” Volumes 1, 2 and 3, and the “Picture-Riddle Dictionary”, the “The Tale of the Palm Tree and the Goat” among others. Amehkan’s works have been shown in venues such as the Bratislava (2003 and 2005) and Belgrade (2005) exhibitions and the Sarmede Biennial in Italy.
Ali and his brother, Hassan, are the founders of the Blue Illustrator’s Group. Formed in 2007, the Blue Group is composed of illustrators from across the world. The group’s goal is to promote the works of young Iranian illustrators and to familiarize illustrators with each other’s works and cultures. The Blue Group has had exhibitions in various countries around the world.
Amehkan died in his birthplace on March 10th in Gilan Province in the north of Iran. The Institute for Research on the History of Children's Literature in Iran, express its most sincere condolences on the loss of this artist.