- Tell us about yourself, your background, upbringing - whether it was in Iran or abroad.
I was born and raised in London to Iranian parents (my dad is half English). Like most third culture kids, this notion of identity was always quite confusing. In my adult life I lived in Dubai for many year and would take the opportunity to travel to Tehran 5-6 times a year in order to reconnect to my roots.
- How did you formulate your sense of Iranian identity having never lived in Iran personally? Tell us what influenced your sense of “Iranian” identity? OR How do you keep your Iranian identity alive after leaving Iran as a teen / young adult?
Iran is in my blood, it has shaped me in a way that nothing else has. Growing up in an Iranian household, our food, language and stories shared with family and friends has always anchored my Iranian identity. My Iranian heritage would feel even more real when I would travel there, those experiences will always stay with.
Like most us, I’ve always felt this deep connection to Iran so I went on to study Persian Studies as a way to connect further. From there I worked at an organisation called Magic of Persia which championed both established and emerging contemporary artists, before launching my own platform Emergeast, an online gallery shining light on contemporary artists from Iran and the Arab world. I’d say this has reinforced my ties with Iran, through connecting with different creatives and beyond.
- Tell us three things about your culture that make you a proud Iranian woman?
Persian poetry, Iran has a rich tradition of poetry dating back thousands of years. The works of Rumi, Hafez and Saadi are still celebrated all around the world today.
Iranian art – the country’s rich artistic heritage has made Iran renowned for its art, both in the contemporary field as well as miniature paintings, calligraphy, carpets and architecture. Iranian hospitality. Our culture places a strong emphasis on hospitality and welcoming guests. If you’ve been to an Iranian household, you’ll know you’re never coming out of there hungry. And of course the list isn’t complete without its delicious food.
- Throughout history, Iran has witnessed many strong and inspiring women leaders and doers, could you name one who has inspired you the most in your life and career.
Women who’ve had a tremendous impact on my life are Foroukh Farrokhzad & Shirin Neshat. Foroukh’s poetry is known for her emotional depth and brave social commentary questioning woman’s right for freedom. I remember stumbling on her work at 17 years old and being moved deeply by her words; unlike most poetry I had read Foroukh’s, works resonated on a soulful level.
Visual artist Shirin Neshat has also impacted my life significantly. It was upon discovering her Women of Allah series featuring black and white portraits of Iranian women, layered in Farsi text that I discovered my passion of wanting to work with visual artist and support their voices.
- How do you use your position as a woman living and working freely outside of Iran to uplift and support the voices, art, and dreams of women inside Iran?
Emergeast.com was founded as a platform to support these exact voices. I have the pleasure of working with some incredible female artists from Iran and develop their artistic journey to reach a wider international audience. Placing these artists into great collections is my biggest personal achievement. Most recently we consigned two Iranian artists in a group show ‘Visual Language: The Art of protest’ in LA, representing voices from Iran amongst contemporary greats like David Shrigley, Barbara Kruger and the Pussy Riot group.
