Today we’d like to introduce you to Nojan Rahimian.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Growing up in Isfahan, one of the most artistic and historic cities of Iran made me appreciate the art and the history of Persian culture. At six years old, my mom noticed that I had a passion for painting when she saw me sitting in front of the tv and painting the people in it. I started taking extracurricular drawing classes to pursue this as a hobby. Meanwhile, I went to school to study mathematics and physics.
Right after starting college for Electrical Engineering, I decided to pursue art more seriously and that was when I met my incredible mentor Iman Ghasemian. He was so inspirational to me and the biggest supporter of my passion, second only to my parents.
I moved to the US, after graduating from the college, on a full scholarship for my masters in Electrical engineering. After school, I started working in tech industry and currently, I work for Hulu as a software engineer. Meanwhile, painting is my night time job. Lots of self-development and long nights resulted in the creation of a meaningful collection, which reflects my vision and takes from the world I see and experience day by day.
As a Surreal Emotionism artist, I was fortunate to be a part of the Winn Slavin fine art gallery in Beverly Hills. My pieces were displayed next to some of the greatest masters of surrealism at LA art show, Art New York fair, Shanghai international art fair and Palm Springs Art show. I do believe that this is just the beginning of the journey. Experiencing both Eastern and Western cultures inspires me to translate my vision more and more with the world through art.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Lots of struggles and hard work, but life is about making the most out of it. Moving from a country to another and all the challenges along with it. Having a day time job as a software engineer at Hulu to solve challenging problems and creating art right after a whole day of work. Maintaining a work, life and art balance, networking and many more that I can add to this list. And I know for where I want to be, there will be many more challenges.
Please tell us more about your art.
I think the greatest part of my art creation is about the stories I tell. I see the world around me, come to realization, visualize it and communicate it through the paintings, I tend to tell my stories as if I am holding the audience’s hands and take them to this beautiful forest and then leave their hands and let them discover and make their own stories inspired by the paintings. I feel like as an artist I have this unique ability to feel a vibration in this world and then resonate it loudly so people can hear and watch it.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Discipline and consistency. They are essential for this long journey with lots of ups and downs.
Also understanding my emotions and feelings. The more I know myself, the deeper and more meaningful I can create art.
Contact Info:
- Website: NojanArt.com
- Instagram: @Official_nojan_art
Growing up in a middle eastern culture always made me think why there are too many taboos. I remember I was told that women should not chew bubble gums, lick a lollipop or smoke a cigarette! it is bad, it is too sexy, it is a taboo! I never understood that and I know many free women won’t agree with taboos like that either. That was a reason for me to paint this piece. A woman with all restrictions and taboos, doing the taboos to break free.
“Lovingly is about a moment, a lover, a rose in the colorful flashback of the memories. I created this piece as the result of an old love, a temporary romance which changed my perspective about love. I knew it was temporary and I learned that I needed to enjoy those beautiful moments as they exist because they won’t last forever. It transformed my perspective toward life, a lesson about enjoy what we have at this very moment.
Inspired by the famous Persian poet and philosopher Rumi. How wonderful it is that among all these many people I am amazingly unique in my own way.The color combination in my brain is so unique…do not try to stop me, it won’t stop…it will just overflow! full of life.
Image Credit:
The one I am sitting next to my painting is by Brian Kaminski
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