About me:

As an artist, my life experiences have greatly influenced my creative path and perspective. Growing up in Iran during the Islamic revolution and the Iran-Iraq war, I witnessed firsthand the devastation and suffering caused by war, as well as the ceaseless oppression by the Iranian government, which has made me acutely sensitive to political and historical issues around the world. I have channeled these experiences into my art practice, which serves as a reflection of my life and my learning.

Most of my artwork is characterized by the use of black and red colours, which hold symbolic significance for me; these colours represent mourning, bloodshed, and trauma that have scarred my homeland and all other countries around the world. The history of Iran, the Middle Eastern struggles, and global historical issues are dominant concerns in my life. Despite the passage of time, these historical issues continue to inspire my current studio practice.

I began painting at the age of thirteen and have been teaching painting to children and teenagers since I was nineteen. In 1998, I started studying Iranian calligraphy at the Iran Calligraphers Association in Tehran, which proved to be a transformative experience in my artistic career. I fused calligraphy with my painting, creating a new art style of calligraphy-painting. Initially, my inspiration came from contemporary poets who explored themes of love, life, and the human experience. However, after working as a social practitioner in deprived regions of Iran, I developed an interest in poetry related to historical and political themes.

My perspective shifted dramatically after the execution of Kurdish teacher Farzad Kamangar by the Islamic regime; I also learned from my close friendship with Jalal Malaksha, a great Kurdish poet. These experiences deepened my understanding of life, politics, and my art, and I continue to draw inspiration from the voices of minorities, oppressed women and children, Black people, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized communities.

In addition to the challenges involved with immigrating to Canada, I have faced numerous other challenges that brought unique difficulties and losses. However, these experiences have also provided me with a new perspective and inspired me to look beyond my homeland’s borders. As a woman from a traditional, religious culture and as an immigrant, I feel a deep connection to the experiences of many people worldwide. I am committed to creating a new archive for future generations that sheds light on the many challenges that humanity has faced and the many triumphs people have achieved throughout history.

Through my art, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the human experience and a greater sense of empathy and compassion for those who have experienced similar journeys; I also wish to give voices to these struggles. My work is a reflection of my life journey as well as my search for meaning and purpose in my existence.