Paris Tooraji is a contemporary abstract artist based in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire. Working primarily in acrylic on canvas, he creates medium to large-scale paintings defined by strong geometric forms, precise hard edges and a quiet sense of three-dimensional depth. His distinctive visual language balances sophisticated neutral tones with bold, carefully considered colour.
With a professional background in furniture design, Paris brings a deep understanding of form, structure, scale and the physical presence of objects within a space. This foundation continues to shape his approach to painting, giving his work a considered relationship with the interiors it is destined to inhabit.
In 2023 he committed fully to his practice as a visual artist. His paintings have been exhibited at the Heritage Gallery and Middlesbrough Town Hall, as well as The Washhouse & Parlour in Rye, East Sussex. He is a Premium Member of the Visual Artists Association.
Born in Shiraz — a city steeped in history and renowned for its poetry, literature and fine wines — Paris possessed an innate passion for art from an early age. While his family initially envisioned a traditional career in medicine for him, his independent spirit ensured that the dream of becoming an artist never faded.
In his youth, this creative energy first found expression through music. It was as a violinist and singer that he met Maroo, whose deep understanding of form and colour perfectly complemented his own raw passion. This encounter marked the beginning of a profound partnership, both personal and creative. Together they have spent years supporting each other’s evolution, turning life’s complexities into a shared journey of discovery and expression.
Paris is a true night owl, finding his deepest creative flow in the quiet hours after dark. His ritual begins at six o’clock with a strong cup of black tea — a moment of calm before the work begins.
His studio is unconventional: a bespoke fold-away desk in the heart of the kitchen that, when open, becomes a temporary barrier to the fridge. This creates a playful daily ritual in which Maroo must negotiate her way past a wall of creativity. By nine o’clock the artist often becomes the chef, as Paris views cooking as another therapeutic form of art — a careful balance of stirring, chopping and creating. When Maroo admires his culinary efforts with an “I love you, Paris!”, he simply replies with his trademark dry wit: “I know.”
For Paris, the world fades away when he is in the zone. There is only the canvas, the colours, and the silent intensity of the night.
No story of the Tooraji household would be complete without Charlie — the couple’s beloved rabbit, also affectionately known as Lily. The undisputed “King of the Castle,” Charlie is a constant, fluffy presence in the studio and a silent witness to the creative process.
While he is a ray of sunshine in their home, he is also the champion of “re-decorating,” cheerfully chewing anything within reach. Beyond being a cherished pet, Charlie is a quiet symbol of the joy and playful energy that balances the intense focus of Paris’s work. He is more than a muse; he is family.