With a bold commitment to highlighting the vibrant cultures of the Global South, the 17th edition of Art Dubai has set out to empower and give a voice to the talented artists and creatives that have long been marginalized by conventional Western platforms, as stated by the fair’s Artistic Director Pablo Del Val. Functioning as an incubator for critical cultural dialogue, this year’s installment will feature over 100 artworks sourced from over 60 cities spanning more than 40 countries across four sections with a keen focus on amplifying voices that often remain unheard. This includes highlighting the works of 19 Iranian female artists— all trailblazers who have consistently spearheaded transformative change by refusing to be silenced in the face of oppression.
Through their millennia-spanning artistry, dating back to 8,000 B.C, Iranian art today encompasses traditional crafts, such as carpet weaving and calligraphy matched with contemporary methods ranging from mixed media and photography, installations, film, and plenty more. Contemporary Iranian artists often draw on its rich history of craft to tell stories that reflect modern day realities. Below, a list of female Iranian creatives whose work is being showcased at Art Dubai 2024.
Contemporary
Farah Ossouli – Dastan Gallery
Farah Ossouli is a distinguished painter residing and working in Tehran. Ossouli’s artistic journey has been marked by pioneering contributions to contemporary miniature painting. Notably, she founded DENA, a collective dedicated to showcasing female artists, which has curated over 30 exhibitions since its inception in 2001. Ossouli’s oeuvre reflects a seamless fusion of techniques, materials, and themes cultivated over her four-decade career. Her recent collections draw inspiration from classical European paintings, reimagining iconic works to address contemporary manifestations of violence. By reshaping Persian painting traditions and incorporating symbolic figures like the female torchbearer, Ossouli offers viewers fresh perspectives on the complexities of our modern world.
Atefeh Majidi Nezhad – Dastan Gallery
Atefeh Majidi Nezhad has been actively engaged in the artistic scene since 2006. Originally hailing from the culturally rich city of Isfahan, she pursued her education at Isfahan Art University, obtaining a BFA, followed by an MFA in painting from Tehran University’s Faculty of Fine Arts. Throughout her career, Nezhad has showcased her works in numerous group exhibitions while also sharing her expertise as a drawing and painting tutor. Her recent focus lies in a series of sketch collections that delve into the multifaceted perspectives of architectural spaces. Through her artistry, Nezhad navigates the conceptual spectrum between chaos and serenity, offering viewers glimpses into the inner sanctums of monuments and the fleeting moments they encapsulate.
Dorsa Asadi – Green Art Gallery
Dorsa Asadi is an Iranian sculptor renowned for her captivating ceramic creations. Blending traditional Iranian aesthetics with contemporary themes, Asadi’s sculptures traverse realms of gender, identity, and environmental consciousness. Drawing inspiration from global mythology, she weaves intricate narratives around motifs such as twins, fertility, and sacrifice, culminating in immersive installations. Asadi’s artistic journey includes academic pursuits at the University of Tehran, where she earned both a BA in Handicrafts with a focus on Ceramics and an MA in Painting. Her talent has been further honed through residencies at prestigious art centers in Turkey and Iran, enriching her practice with diverse cultural perspectives.
Naeemeh Kazemi – Leila Heller Gallery
Primarily a sculptor, Naeemeh Kazemi transitioned to painting amidst the 2020 lockdown in Iran, finding solace and expression in her one-bedroom apartment. Her enchanting canvases serve as portals to fantastical realms, offering respite from the confines of quarantine and echoing her anxieties about the world’s future. Kazemi’s paintings, imbued with symbolism drawn from nature and classical art, explore themes of environmental degradation, feminism, and existentialism. Through her “La La Land” series, she confronts the fragility of existence, juxtaposing familiar elements against surreal backdrops to evoke a sense of disquiet and introspection. Kazemi’s art serves as both a refuge from and a reflection of the uncertainties plaguing contemporary society, inviting viewers to contemplate the profound questions that linger beneath the surface of everyday life.
Parinaz Eleish – Leila Heller Gallery
Born in Tehran to an Iranian mother and an Egyptian father, Parinaz Eleish embodies a multicultural background that enriches her artistic perspective. Her journey into the realm of art began in her childhood, nurtured by a passion for literature and painting. After completing her education in film production and painting in the United States, Eleish ventured into various creative endeavors, including establishing her own painting and jewelry design companies. Today, she dedicates herself to painting full-time, infusing her works with a playful yet introspective spirit. Eleish’s artistry is characterized by a sense of whimsy and a keen exploration of human emotions, evident in her vibrant drawings, soft sculptures, and environmental-themed compositions. Through her playful storytelling and environmental consciousness, Eleish invites viewers into a world where imagination and reality intertwine, offering moments of reflection and joy.
Maryam Mohry – O Gallery
Maryam Mohry is a versatile artist whose mastery of watercolor and gouache brings her imaginative narratives to life. From an early age, Mohry found inspiration in storytelling, crafting her own tales through cut-outs from children’s books. This childhood pastime evolved into a lifelong passion for creating impulsive and plausible stories, reflected in her drawings and soft sculptures. Mohry’s artworks exude a lighthearted naivety and sarcasm, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in whimsical worlds populated by expressive characters and vivid colors. Her dedication to environmental concerns adds depth to her creations, infusing her playful works with a sense of urgency and relevance. Through her art, Mohry invites us to embrace the joy of storytelling while contemplating the interconnectedness of humanity and nature.
Shideh Tami – O Gallery
Shideh Tami embarked on a journey of self-discovery through art, guided by a passion for literature and poetry. Despite initially pursuing studies in science, Tami’s fascination with art led her to explore figurative painting and portraiture. Over the years, she honed her craft, delving into the complexities of the human psyche and the nuances of existence. Tami’s artistic evolution reflects a commitment to authenticity and simplicity, eschewing academic conventions to convey the essence of humanity in its rawest form. Her iconic series of empty chairs, born out of personal loss and introspection, epitomizes her minimalist approach to storytelling. Through her introspective artworks, Tami invites viewers to contemplate the universal truths that unite us all, transcending barriers of ethnicity, religion, and gender.
Faezeh Zandieh – SARAI Gallery
Faezeh Zandieh is a multi-talented painter, illustrator, and printmaker currently based in France. Her artistic journey is marked by a dedication to exploring the human form and its interaction with space and energy. Zandieh’s distinctive style, characterized by intense figures and atmospheric scenes, has garnered recognition both locally and internationally. Her recent accolades include winning the KHOR Art Initiative 2023 and securing prestigious residencies in France, where she continues to expand her creative horizons. Grounded in her fascination with anatomy and movement, Zandieh’s works offer viewers a glimpse into the visceral and ephemeral nature of existence. Through her mastery of various techniques, she captures the dynamic interplay between form and emotion, inviting audiences to contemplate the complexities of the human experience.
Digital
Maryam Lamei – Leila Heller Gallery
Maryam Lamei’s work bridges traditional Persian painting with contemporary innovation. With a background in graphics and a passion for the rich cultural heritage of Iran, Lamei has garnered recognition for her unique approach to the “Flower and Bird” (Golomorgh) genre. Her creations combine historical techniques with her own artistic vision, resulting in captivating works that transcend tradition while paying homage to it. As an active member of Iran’s Miniaturist Association and other visual arts organizations, Lamei has exhibited her works internationally, captivating audiences with her reinterpretation of classical themes. Through her mastery of form and color, Lamei invites viewers into a world of beauty and symbolism, where tradition and modernity converge in harmonious dialogue.
Shirin Abedinirad – Sanji Gallery
Shirin Abedinirad has emerged as a leading voice in contemporary art through her innovative exploration of identity and nature. Drawing on her background in graphic design and fashion, Abedinirad’s artistic practice encompasses a diverse range of mediums, including video, performance, land art, and installation. Inspired by her desert experiences and her deep connection to the Earth, Abedinirad’s works evoke a sense of unity and belonging, inviting viewers to contemplate their relationship with the natural world. Exhibited globally and recipient of numerous awards and grants, Abedinirad’s artistry transcends cultural boundaries, offering a poetic reflection on the essence of selfhood and humanity’s interconnectedness with nature.
Art Dubai 2024 will run from March 1-3 at Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah. For tickets and more information on how to attend, visit the Art Dubai website.
Head Image: Shirin Abedinirad, Tide
