Spoleto Festival USA Reveals 2025 Poster – “Professional Painter in a Dream” by Hadi Falapishi 

May 19, 2025 (Charleston, SC) — Spoleto Festival USA has unveiled Hadi Falapishi’s evocative artwork, Professional Painter in a Dream, as the official poster for the 2025 Festival. The artwork is from the artist’s Professional Painter series in which Falapishi explores identity by inserting his own likeness into a variety of scenes, often in direct reference to famous paintings or movements (in this case, from Surrealism), or moments in history. The poster, unveiled at The Charleston Place, is now available for purchase ($35) at spoletousa.org, at Spoleto’s ticket kiosk at The Charleston Place, or by calling 843.579.3100. The Charleston Place is part of BHC, Spoleto Festival USA 2025’s Premiere Hospitality Partner. 

“This year’s poster, created by a truly exceptional artist, captures the vibrant energy and artistic dynamism that defines our festival,” says Spoleto Festival USA General Director and CEO Mena Mark Hanna. “It beautifully hints at the extraordinary performances and unexpected discoveries that await our audiences this season, offering a visual testament to the diverse tapestry of talent we bring to Charleston. It’s our sincere hope that this striking piece will not only capture your eye but also spark conversation and deepen your appreciation for the power of artistic vision.” 

By positioning himself within these notable settings, Falapishi engages in a dialogue with the past, simultaneously reinterpreting their significance and inviting viewers to consider personal identity throughout classical art. 

Falapishi (b. 1987) was born in Tehran, Iran and currently lives and works in New York City. Falapishi received his master’s degree from Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, New York in 2016. Falapishi has had solo exhibitions in the U.S. and internationally, and his work has been included in numerous group exhibitions. His art is held in the permanent collections of institutions such as the Whitney Museum of American Art. 

Professional Painter in a Dream, 2025 is courtesy of the artist and Andrew Kreps Gallery, New York. Special thanks to Lara A. Björk, Founder & Principal Advisor at Von Rudebeck Art Advisory, for her skillful guidance and partnership in organizing Spoleto Festival USA’s 2025 poster. 

SPOLETO FESTIVAL USA 

Spoleto Festival USA was founded in 1977 by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti, who sought to create an American counterpart to the annual Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy, which he had founded in 1958. Now in its 48th year, Spoleto Festival USA is internationally recognized as America’s premier performing arts festival. For 17 days and nights each spring, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston’s historic theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces with performances in opera; theater; dance; and chamber, symphonic, choral, and jazz music. Spoleto’s mission is to present programs of the highest artistic caliber while maintaining a dedication to young artists, a commitment to all forms of the performing arts, a passion for contemporary innovation, and an enthusiasm for providing unique performance opportunities for established artists. Beyond its role as a launching pad for young talent, Spoleto also serves as a catalyst for cultural change and has aided in Charleston’s flourishing as a top arts and culture destination. With General Director & CEO Mena Mark Hanna at its helm, the 2025 season takes place from May 23 to June 8 in various locations on the downtown peninsula. Spoleto Festival USA is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization.  

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