Today we’d like to introduce you to Shirin Khalatbari
Hi Shirin, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Tehran, Iran, where being a woman means confronting gender apartheid daily in all aspects of life. While this constant struggle made me stronger, it eventually became intolerable. At twenty-one, I moved to Rome, Italy, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Near Eastern Archaeology from La Sapienza in 2014 and my master’s degree two years later. My studies and practice in archaeology revealed the discipline’s significant role in colonialism and the advancement of colonial doctrine. However, I found that the only satisfactory way to express my ideas was through art.
Initially, I was drawn to archaeology because of my love for history and ancient cultures, although it was always my second choice. My family did not approve of pursuing art as a career, so I chose archaeology instead. I have always been curious about the human journey through art and civilization. Art and archaeology have never been separate from each other, and I realized I could use my knowledge of history and archaeology as the foundation for my art practice. This realization led me to move to San Francisco, California, where I received my Master’s in Fine Arts in 2019 from San Francisco State University. Since graduating, I have participated in various solo and group shows throughout the Bay Area and co-founded an art collective called MUZ Collective, dedicated to creating opportunities for emerging artists through curating exhibitions and other art-related projects.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not. Being an immigrant is never easy. I had to leave everything behind not just once, but twice. The first time was when I moved from Tehran to Rome, and the second time was when I relocated to San Francisco. Each move required me to adapt to a new culture and environment, which was incredibly challenging.
Learning Italian was a significant hurdle. My mother tongue is Persian, and I already knew English and Arabic, but adding another language to my repertoire was daunting. Studying in a language other than my native one added another layer of difficulty. I had to work twice as hard to keep up with my peers and excel in my studies.
Leaving my community behind was another major struggle. Each time I moved, I felt like I left pieces of myself behind. The sense of loss was profound, as I had to rebuild my support system from scratch in a new place. However, there is always a silver lining. Each day, I become stronger and more resilient. These experiences have brought me closer to my ideals and have shaped me into the person I am today. Despite the hardships, I have grown immensely and continue to strive towards my goals.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My art practice is centered around transdisciplinary and research-based exploration, focusing on the consequences of colonialism in West Asia. By scrutinizing historical narratives and archaeological discoveries, I investigate the interplay among politics, poetics, and aesthetics in objects. My goal is to envision a world liberated from colonial influences.
I approach each project with thorough research, which informs my choice of medium and method. As a result, my work rarely takes the same form twice. I am always eager to learn and experiment with new techniques, which brings joy and freshness to my practice. Each new body of work is an opportunity to acquire a new skill or medium.
One of the aspects I am most proud of is my ability to adapt and innovate. My willingness to explore different methods and materials sets me apart from others. This flexibility allows me to create unique and thought-provoking pieces that challenge conventional perspectives.
Overall, my work is known for its depth, diversity, and commitment to addressing complex socio-political issues through art. I strive to make a meaningful impact by blending historical insight with contemporary artistic expression, always pushing the boundaries of what art can achieve.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
One surprising thing about me is that I have a very dark, sarcastic view of life in general. While this might sound a bit grim, most people actually find it absolutely humorous! My sense of humor often catches people off guard because it contrasts with the serious and thoughtful nature of my work.
I believe that humor, even when it’s dark and sarcastic, can be a powerful tool for coping with life’s challenges and complexities. It allows me to navigate difficult topics and situations with a lighter heart, and it often brings a unique perspective to my art. This unexpected side of my personality helps me connect with others on a different level, adding a layer of relatability and warmth to my interactions.
Moreover, this blend of dark humor and serious artistic exploration creates a balance in my life and work. It reminds me not to take everything too seriously and to find joy and laughter even in the most challenging circumstances. This duality is something that not many people expect from me, but it plays a crucial role in shaping who I am and how I approach both my art and my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shirinkhalatbari.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enheduanna_/?hl=en
Image Credits
Myself, Tani Tane, and Afra Pourdad
