Dance of Jasmin's Shadow Painting

Love, in its widest sense, is what inspires me to create. My artworks are instruments that allow me to share my visions and truths with you. I believe that each one of us has a unique mission in life. Mine is to Observe, Visualize, and Transmit, and I take extreme pleasure and authenticity in doing so. In 1978, as a young artist fresh out of the School of Fine Arts, I found myself at a crossroads, not only in my personal journey but also in the tumultuous landscape of my country. The Islamic Revolution in Iran, a monumental event that reshaped our nation, cast a shadow of uncertainty over my future. In this climate of upheaval and fear, my passion for painting was stifled by the need for government approval to hold exhibitions. As my artistic ambitions clashed with the restrictive policies of the time, I was forced to pivot to a career in advertising—a compromise that left me both anxious and disheartened. By 1986, seeking both freedom and artistic expression, I left Iran for the Netherlands. There, I rediscovered my love for painting, a medium that became my sanctuary and a means to reclaim my sense of liberty. My work began to gain recognition within the Dutch art community, and I received support from various visual arts organizations. Despite this success, a persistent sadness lingered in my heart, rooted in the distance from my homeland and the uncertainty of whether I would ever return. A serendipitous vacation in Italy, with its evocative resemblance to Iran's past, inspired me to relocate. In Italy, my art found a new audience, and in 1998, I was honored with the Best Painter award in Emilia-Romagna. My exhibitions in Ferrara were met with enthusiasm, marking a vibrant chapter in my career. However, in 2000, family obligations brought me back to the Netherlands, where I expanded my repertoire to include illustration and cartooning, contributing to major publications and participating in over 70 solo and group exhibitions. From 2004 to 2014, my travels back to Iran allowed me to reconnect with my roots, leading to several successful exhibitions in Tehran. In 2014, alongside my life partner, I spent a few years in Iran, showcasing both my paintings and innovative 2.5D sculptures until 2019. Returning once more to the Netherlands, I continue to paint and look forward to my upcoming exhibition in February 2025 at the museum in Gorinchem.