In the latest episode of Cozy Corner with Hossein Nasiri, a video podcast dedicated to exploring creativity, Hossein Nasiri interviews Afarin Sajedi, a prominent Iranian painter and visual artist. Renowned for her eclectic blend of surrealism, pop art, and classical aesthetics, Afarin’s works delve into themes of identity, inner conflict, and the role of women in society. Over the course of the conversation, Afarin opens up about her creative evolution, her unwavering dedication to authenticity, and how she blends various artistic influences to craft a style that is both distinct and deeply personal.
From Shiraz to the World Stage: Afarin’s Early Beginnings
Born in Shiraz, Iran, Afarin’s artistic journey began at a young age. Her family quickly recognized her natural talent for drawing and storytelling, encouraging her to explore art from a very early age. In one memorable childhood anecdote, Afarin recounts an art class assignment that sparked her creative instincts—drawing a balloon vendor with intricate details, including a spilled ice cream and a crying child. Even as a young child, Afarin’s work reflected her ability to narrate complex stories through visual art, laying the groundwork for the themes that would later define her paintings.
Despite her initial desire to study painting formally, Afarin ended up pursuing a degree in graphic design in Tehran. This decision, while unexpected, allowed her to develop a more versatile skill set. “During the first year, I wanted to switch my major to painting, but my professors didn’t let me,” she recalls, “and now I’m very grateful to them.” Her graphic design background has been instrumental in shaping her signature style, which seamlessly blends the precision of design with the expressive freedom of painting.
A Fusion of Styles: The Creative Process Behind Afarin’s Art
Afarin’s artistic style is a harmonious amalgamation of her diverse experiences, ranging from childhood exposure to animation and manga to her professional ventures in illustration and graphic design. Her works often feature royal, proud figures with deep gazes, their expressions filled with unspoken stories. She frequently incorporates fish into her paintings—an Eastern symbol of fluidity and life—imbuing her canvases with a sense of continuity and emotional depth.
When discussing her creative process, Afarin emphasizes the importance of complete immersion in each project. For her, creating art is akin to inhabiting a different world, one that demands focus and dedication. “My entire world is focused on that project,” she explains, highlighting how she often spends months exploring a theme before translating it into visual form. Her approach is reminiscent of a theater director who meticulously crafts each scene, using lighting, costumes, and dialogue to create a cohesive story. In a similar fashion, Afarin’s paintings are a blend of personal experiences, cultural references, and artistic influences that come together to create narratives that are both intimate and universal.
Authenticity and the Artist’s Voice
One of the central themes in Afarin’s conversation with Hossein is the importance of authenticity in art. Afarin firmly believes that an artist should prioritize personal expression over market trends or commercial demands. “If an artist, in their solitude, doesn’t first think about expressing what they want—whether it’s something from their own lived experience, their techniques, or anything else—they will fail,” she asserts. For Afarin, painting is not just a career but a means of exploring and expressing her inner world.
Her early solo exhibition, “Bitter Laughter,” is a testament to this commitment to authenticity. The series, centered around clown characters, was a reflection of personal pain, absurdity, and the darker aspects of human emotions. While the clowns were initially inspired by her own life experiences, Afarin infused them with elements of irony and playfulness, creating a balance that made the works both thought-provoking and relatable. This ability to blend complex themes with a sense of play is a hallmark of Afarin’s art, making her works accessible to a broad audience while retaining a sense of depth and introspection.
Afarin’s dedication to personal storytelling extends beyond her own work; as an educator, she encourages her students to cultivate independent thought and creativity. She believes that teaching should be less about imposing rigid formulas and more about guiding students to find their own voices. “The best teacher is one who pushes the student to think independently,” she notes, emphasizing the importance of teaching the creative process rather than providing predetermined answers.
Exploring Complex Themes Through Art
Afarin’s paintings often explore intricate themes related to identity, the human psyche, and the societal roles of women. Her characters, predominantly female, are depicted as strong yet introspective figures, grappling with both internal and external conflicts. “A character must have a story,” Afarin asserts, describing how each of her painted figures carries a narrative that speaks to broader human experiences, whether it’s tragedy, transformation, or survival.
Her fascination with classical and religious art is evident in the meticulous detailing of her works. Afarin intentionally blends historical references with modern elements, creating art that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. “I don’t want there to be any specific geographical boundaries for my work,” she emphasizes, explaining her desire to create narratives that are universally resonant. This approach allows her to tackle heavy themes while still leaving room for personal interpretation, inviting viewers to project their own experiences onto her canvases.
Afarin’s exploration of surrealism is not merely a stylistic choice; it is deeply rooted in her philosophical approach to art. She views her paintings as tools for expressing inner revolutions and silent struggles, capturing the unspoken conflicts that define the human experience. Her characters’ eyes, often filled with unspoken emotions, serve as windows into their inner worlds, reflecting the artist’s belief that silence can be as expressive as words.
Influences and Inspirations: A Blend of Old and New
Afarin’s artistic influences are as diverse as her works. Growing up, she was encouraged to study Renaissance and classical styles, which laid the foundation for her technical skills. As she matured as an artist, she began to incorporate elements of pop art, manga, and surrealism, creating a distinctive style that merges historical references with contemporary themes.
Her admiration for cinema also plays a significant role in shaping her artistic vision. From her childhood fascination with films like E.T., which inspired her dream of becoming an astronomer, to her appreciation for directors like David Lynch and Stanley Kubrick, Afarin’s works are often imbued with cinematic storytelling techniques. She describes her paintings as scenes from a larger narrative, with each canvas representing a chapter in an ongoing story. “The character’s eyes, their expressions—they all tell a part of the story,” she explains, likening her approach to that of a filmmaker who uses visual cues to evoke emotions and drive the narrative forward.
Art as a Tool for Thought and Reflection
Afarin’s paintings are not merely visual spectacles; they are invitations to think, reflect, and connect on a deeper level. She aims to create art that leaves a lasting impact, encouraging viewers to engage with the themes and emotions embedded in her work. Whether it’s the unsettling gaze of a clown, the symbolic presence of a fish, or the haunting expression of a silent character, Afarin’s paintings evoke a sense of curiosity and contemplation. “Art should be like a hammer on the head,” she says, quoting surrealist André Breton. For Afarin, art is meant to provoke thought and elicit strong emotional responses, challenging viewers to confront their own interpretations and feelings.
Teaching Art and Nurturing Creativity
In addition to her work as a painter, Afarin is also an educator who values the role of creativity in shaping artistic expression. Her teaching philosophy centers around encouraging students to think independently and explore their own interpretations of art. She believes that creativity should be nurtured through open-ended exploration rather than strict adherence to traditional methods. Her approach to teaching mirrors her own creative process—fluid, introspective, and focused on personal growth.
The Future of Afarin’s Art: Evolving Themes and Techniques
As Afarin continues to evolve as an artist, she remains open to new ideas, themes, and techniques. Her recent works have explored themes like modern femininity and the juxtaposition of ancient and contemporary narratives. She hints at the possibility of experimenting with different forms of expression in the future, emphasizing that painting is just one of many tools she uses to convey her ideas.
Despite her success, Afarin approaches each project with the same sense of curiosity and dedication that defined her early years as an artist. She remains committed to personal storytelling, creative exploration, and maintaining artistic integrity, setting her apart as a truly unique figure in the contemporary art world.
A Broader Vision for Art
Afarin believes that art should extend beyond gallery walls and resonate with a wider audience. During the interview, she mentions a time when her works gained unexpected attention on social media, particularly TikTok, where people began recreating her paintings as makeup art. “What could be better for an artist than to have their work reach a wide range of people?” she asks, reflecting on how social media has enabled her to connect with audiences beyond traditional art spaces.
This broad reach aligns with her belief that art should be accessible and open to interpretation. While collectors and galleries play a role in sustaining an artist’s career, Afarin places greater value on the general audience’s engagement with her work. For her, art is not just a transaction but a dialogue—one that encourages viewers to explore their own stories and emotions through her paintings.
Concluding Thoughts: Art as a Personal Journey
Afarin Sajedi’s artistic journey is one of constant exploration and evolution. From her early fascination with manga and classical painting to her current focus on themes of
identity, transformation, and silent struggles, Afarin’s works are a reflection of her own lived experiences and personal philosophies. She remains committed to authenticity, personal expression, and pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling. As she continues to create and inspire, her art serves as a testament to the enduring power of creativity, offering a glimpse into the complex world of human emotions and experiences.