About Me

Yaser KhanbarayYaser Khanbaray

I am Yaser Khanbaray, born in Sanandaj in the Iranian year 1369 (1990–1991). From an early age, art has meant more to me than an interest or a profession; it has given my life meaning. I completed my studies in graphic design at Enghelab-e Eslami University in Tehran and have pursued drawing as a serious professional practice ever since. With more than a decade of experience teaching academic drawing, I am proud to have helped a new generation develop their artistic skills. Founding and managing Khial Art Academy in Sanandaj remains one of my most meaningful achievements.

My artistic journey began in 1385 (2006–2007), when I entered art school and drawing grew from a simple interest into a driving passion. Starting university in 1387 (2008–2009) marked a more focused, professional stage in my practice. During this period, several solo and group exhibitions gave me opportunities to present my ideas and work. I also received more than ten national and provincial awards in drawing and graphic design. These achievements encouraged me to keep developing my practice.

After graduating and returning to my hometown of Sanandaj, I felt a strong need for professional, academic drawing education. This inspired me to begin teaching. In the early years, I worked to create an environment for academic art education informed by international standards. These efforts led to the founding of Khial Art Academy, a place for nurturing a new generation of artists and creative practice. The academy has since helped hundreds of students take their place in the art community.

In recent years, after refining my teaching methods through experience, I began producing and recording specialist drawing courses. Available to learners in Iran and around the world, these courses opened a new chapter in my professional life, allowing me to share my approach with a wider international audience.

For me, art is more than a career. It reflects the experiences, emotions and beliefs that have shaped me over the years. Every work I create is part of that story—a story that began with a passion for art and continues to unfold.

Awards and Recognition

  • Commendation from the President of Iran in the eighth Porsesh competition, on the theme of Excellence.
  • First Prize, 6th Fajr International Festival, Tehran (2014).
  • First Prize, 2nd Notica International Festival, Colombia (2016).
  • Third Prize, World Press Cartoon, Portugal (2014).
  • Best Work Award, Red Man International Biennial, China (2017).
  • Selected award recipient, World Press Cartoon, Portugal (2015).
  • Selected award recipient, 1st International Festival of the Francis Cabedo Museum and Foundation, Spain (2020).
  • Second Prize, Amazon International Humour Festival, Brazil (2013).
  • Second Prize, Iran Young Art Festival (2019).
  • Special Prize, 32nd International Humour Biennial, Italy (2024).
  • Special Prize, 12th Tehran Cartoon Biennial (2026).
  • Special Prize, 2nd Sisak International Festival, Croatia (2016).
  • First Prize, 1st Iran–Iraq Cross-Border Press Festival (2016).
  • The only Iranian selected among participants from thirty countries for the third exhibition of the Taborda Museum World Congress, Argentina (2013).
  • First Prize, 2nd North Khorasan International Cartoon and Caricature Festival (2014).
  • First Prize, Waqf: The Ever-Flowing Spring National Festival (1394 SH / 2015–2016).
  • Special Prize, International Resistance Art Festival, Tehran (2026).
  • Special Prize, Tabriz National Press Festival (2015).
  • Finalist, 8th Fajr International Festival, Tehran; three works unveiled in this section (1394 SH / 2015–2016).
  • Finalist in four editions of the Piracicaba International Festival, Brazil (2014).
  • Finalist, 16th Debiut International Festival, Poland (2014).
  • Finalist, Knokke-Heist International Festival, Belgium (2014).
  • Finalist, Gallarate International Festival, Italy; work published in the festival catalogue (2014).
  • Finalist, Osor International Cartoon Festival (OSCARfest), Croatia; among the top fifty works (2013).
  • Finalist in two editions of the Luís d’Oliveira Guimarães International Festival, Portugal (2012).
  • Finalist, 4th Red Man International Festival, China (2012).
  • Finalist, 10th Tehran International Cartoon Biennial (1392 SH / 2013–2014).
  • Certificate of Merit, 4th Fajr International Cartoon Festival, Tehran (1390 SH / 2011–2012).
  • Finalist, 11th Tehran International Cartoon Biennial (1395 SH / 2016–2017).
  • National First Prize in Drawing, 8th Porsesh Mehr National Congress (1387 SH / 2008–2009).
  • Outstanding Young Person of Kurdistan Province, Art Day ceremony, Tehran (1394 SH / 2015–2016).
  • Outstanding Young Person of Kurdistan Province, provincial youth recognition ceremony (1396 SH / 2017–2018).
  • National First Prize in Drawing, 26th Festival of Distinguished School Students, Neyshabur (1386 SH / 2007–2008).
  • More than twenty first prizes in drawing, printmaking, poster design, caricature and graphic design in Kurdistan Province.