Meet Haleh Mashian of West Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Haleh Mashian.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born in Tehran, Iran, and immigrated to the United States after the Iranian Revolution. Living under the oppressive regime for seven years, I eventually came to the U.S. as a religious refugee in 1987 at the age of 20. I began my new life in Los Angeles, where I graduated from USC with a degree in finance.

In my mid-20s, I discovered my passion for painting, which quickly became my primary focus. I’ve been painting for over 30 years, experimenting with various materials and subjects. My work often features different series that resonate with me on a deeper, spiritual level, with my “Tear Series” being among my most recognized.

I got married 34 years ago and have two beautiful adult children. My artistic journey has been enriched by my ongoing exploration of color and texture, as I believe they infuse life into any space.

In 2018, after a profound personal revelation during meditation, I decided to open a gallery. This space allows me to express my creativity while fostering a community where artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts can come together. I envisioned it as a hub for creative pursuits, emphasizing art for its own sake rather than as a mere commodity.

I aimed to create an environment that attracts like-minded individuals genuinely interested in authenticity and pushing artistic boundaries—producing work that is not only beautiful and meaningful but also deeply soulful. In today’s digital age, experiencing art in person is vital; engaging with the colors, textures, and rhythms of the paintings adds a layer of connection that cannot be replicated online.

This journey has been extraordinary, allowing me to connect with people not only in Los Angeles but also internationally. Collaborating with artists from around the world has been nothing short of magical, facilitating growth on personal, artistic, and business levels.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey has certainly not been smooth. Like many businesses, I faced significant challenges when COVID-19 hit. The world changed overnight, and it was tough not knowing when I could reopen my gallery and bring the community together again.

Before the pandemic, I had curated an exhibition featuring over 25 artists from Los Angeles, and I was determined not to let them or our community down. I organized an outdoor art event right in front of my gallery in the Arts District. It was a massive undertaking—setting up rented trusses, hanging paintings from them and even from buildings. Despite the challenges, it turned into a vibrant celebration with live music and an enthusiastic crowd. I saw it as a way to keep art alive, embodying the idea that if you can’t go over a barrier, you must go around it.

This experience only fueled my determination and creativity, teaching me the importance of pivoting in the face of adversity. Challenges continue to arise, as the market is always shifting due to political, economic, and psychological factors. However, my inspiration and passion come from within. I’m aligned with something greater than just selling art; I’m committed to bringing beauty, community, and creativity into the world.

No matter what obstacles I face, I keep finding solutions. This resilience has become part of my artistic journey, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth. Each struggle has contributed to who I am today—a stronger, more creative individual, filled with joy for sharing my vision with the world.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an artist specializing in mixed media, and I also run a gallery in West Hollywood. One of my proudest achievements is not only pursuing my own creative journey but also supporting over 500 artists by providing them with a platform to showcase, market, and sell their work.

Initially, I faced criticism for being both an artist and a gallery owner. However, I believe this dual role gives me a unique perspective that many other gallery owners may lack. I understand the struggles, joys, and sacrifices that come with being an artist. This insight informs my approach to curating art and fostering a community.

I recognize that being a good artist doesn’t always equate to commercial success. It requires effective marketing and alignment with the right people. I strive to balance the business side of running a gallery while remaining true to my artistic values. I seek out work that is authentic and filled with the artist’s energy and soul.

Diversity is essential to my gallery; I aim to showcase a variety of styles and ensure that the programming is always lively, unique, and unpredictable. The only predictable element is that every piece is superb and has been hand-selected by me.

My background as a painter allows me to analyze art differently. I focus on the process, the effort, the technique, and the freedom that each artist expresses in their work. This perspective not only enriches my own art but also enhances the experience I offer to the artists and visitors at my gallery.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I’ve had the privilege of working with over 500 artists, collaborating with art advisors, interior designers, and collectors. Curating exhibitions, showcasing talent, and marketing artwork truly takes a village.

To continue this mission, I welcome ongoing support and submissions from artists. I encourage people to visit Mash Gallery for our exhibitions and to spread the word about us. Supporting the artists who pour their heart and soul into their work is crucial. Here are a few ways people can get involved:

– **Attend Exhibitions**: Your presence at gallery events helps foster a vibrant art community.
– **Engage on Social Media**: Commenting on and sharing artists’ works can significantly boost their visibility.
– **Make Purchases**: If you resonate with a piece and your budget allows, trust your intuition and make that investment.
– **Spread the Word**: Share your experiences and recommend Mash Gallery to friends, family, and fellow art enthusiasts.

By taking these steps, you’re contributing to the art scene on multiple levels, supporting not just individual artists but also the broader community of creativity and expression. Your involvement can make a meaningful difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mashgallery.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mash_gallery/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MashGallery
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/mashgallery
• Twitter: https://x.com/MashGalleryLA
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mashgallery
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mash-gallery-los-angeles-2
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mash_gallery?lang=en