LGBTQPlus Art is led by Shayan Afshari Azad, whose combined experience in visual art, art education, architecture, and cultural research shapes the platform’s artistic vision.
Working alongside invited curators, art historians, philosophers of art, contemporary art professionals, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, the team is committed to presenting carefully selected artworks and developing a professional international platform dedicated to LGBTQ+ art and culture.
Shayan Afshari Azad
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Shayan Afshari Azad is a visual artist, art consultant, and the Founder and CEO of LGBTQPlus Art. Born in Tehran, Iran, in 1993, he currently lives and works in Alfter, Germany.
His professional background brings together fine art, architecture, civil engineering, art education, and consultancy. This multidisciplinary experience informs his approach to artistic quality, visual culture, exhibition practice, and the long-term development of LGBTQPlus Art.
As Founder and CEO, he leads the platform’s overall vision, artist development, strategic direction, international growth, and relationships with artists, collectors, and cultural professionals.
Selected Solo Exhibition
2021
Zwischenspiel – Zu Gast im Kunstmuseum Bonn
Kunstmuseum Bonn, Germany
Education
2020–2024
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting
Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences, Germany
2017–2019
Master of Arts in Architecture
KHU University, Isfahan, Iran
2011–2016
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
Additional Artistic Training
2008–2014
Private training in various painting techniques, Iran
Art Prize
2021
Karin Halft Art Prize, Germany
Professional Experience
2020–2026
Self-Employed Visual Artist, Germany
2017–2020
Self-Employed Visual Artist and Art Consultant, Iran
2015–2020
Painting Instructor, Iran
Contact
Website: www.shayan-afshari-azad.com
Telephone: +49 1525 3242984
Our Curatorial Network
LGBTQPlus Art works with a flexible international network of invited curators and specialist advisers. Depending on the subject, artistic medium, exhibition, or individual project, we seek periodic and project-based guidance from professionals with academic and practical experience in curating, art history, philosophy of art, contemporary art, and visual culture.
This collaborative approach allows us to consider artworks from multiple artistic, historical, theoretical, and cultural perspectives. It also supports a thoughtful selection process based on artistic quality, originality, relevance, and the wider development of each artist’s practice.
In addition, we value the perspectives of people from the LGBTQ+ community who are actively involved in contemporary art. Their knowledge and lived cultural understanding contribute to our continuing efforts to develop a diverse, respectful, and meaningful community of artists around the platform.
Together, our founders, creative leadership, curatorial advisers, and wider artistic network work to connect distinctive LGBTQ+ art with collectors, institutions, and art lovers worldwide.