The portraits I paint are referring to a social issue. Whether it is an image of a public figure, a self-portrait, or a portrait of a stranger on a subway, my attempt is to address a social issue. The series Nine Artists portrays nine Iranian artists who are either banned from their practice or prisoned for their art practice.
Self-portraits are representing my pains by symbolizing Iranian motifs and elements.
The figurative paintings are strangers are representing my struggles to fit myself in Canadian society and develop a sense of belonging.
Golshifteh Farahani from the Nine Artists
Acrylic and Oil on Canvas
24"x24"
Marziyeh Vafamehr from the Nine Artists
Acrylic and Oil on Canvas
24"x24"
Restaging the Past (Self Portrait with Golvani, a traditional Iranian indigenous head scarf,used by my grand mother)
Oil on Canvas
24"x24"
Dreaming Home ( Self-Portrait on a Persian Rug)
Acrylic and Oil on Canvas
30"x30"
A Woman on the Subway
Acrylic and Oil on Canvas
24"x 36"