Today we’d like to introduce you to Nasim Moghadam.
Hi Nasim, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am an Iranian-born, California-based art educator and visual artist. My passion for art was kindled in childhood, sparked by an innate interest in painting, drawing, and crafting. I picked up my first knitting needles at the age of six, marking the beginning of a lifelong artistic engagement. With robust support from my family, I advanced my skills throughout my school years and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from the Art and Architecture University in Central Tehran, Iran. I then honed my craft professionally, working as a graphic designer in Iran for over fifteen years.
The influence of my father, a photographer and owner of a photography equipment store, was instrumental in shaping my interest in photography. However, it was not until relocating to the United States in 2010 that I fully embraced photography as my primary medium. Confronted with significant language barriers, I chose photography courses at Foothill College over traditional ESL classes, a decision that not only improved my English but also reignited my passion for photography, providing a crucial avenue for self-expression.
This rekindled love for the visual arts propelled me to pursue a master’s degree at the San Francisco Art Institute, where I delved into mixed media, video art, and sculptural installations. This exploratory phase significantly expanded my artistic scope, enabling me to integrate a wide array of media into my work. Today, my practice is continuously evolving, driven by a commitment to themes and narratives that resonate deeply with me. I am constantly seeking out new materials and innovative approaches to create pieces that reflect my experiences and insights.
Once navigating the challenges of learning English, I now have the honor of supporting aspiring artists in photography at Foothill College and diverse disciplines—including 2D, 3D, and 4D—at the California College of the Arts. This journey highlights the profound impact of art and education in bridging cultural divides and fostering a shared understanding.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, the road has not been smooth; it has been marked by significant challenges and invaluable learning opportunities. A major struggle I faced was adapting to a new culture and language following my immigration. The language barrier profoundly impacted every aspect of daily life and community integration, presenting substantial challenges to my professional art career.
Working across multiple disciplines in my practice has been both invigorating and challenging. Expanding my medium from photography to include a variety of materials has dramatically broadened my creative and technical horizons. Each new project offers a chance to delve into the unique properties and techniques of each medium, continuously pushing my artistic growth.
Before I could pursue a career in higher education, a significant hurdle was making a living while maintaining my artistic integrity. Balancing commercial work with personal artistic pursuits demanded resilience and flexibility, as each challenge not only reaffirmed my dedication to my art but also deepened my understanding of my craft and personal identity.
These experiences have instilled in me a deep sense of persistence and adaptability, essential for navigating the ever-evolving art landscape.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My artistic focus delves into themes of discrimination, hyphenated identity, and the multifaceted constraints women encounter. This encompasses not only their bodies and voices but also the autonomy of their choices. Employing mediums spanning from sound, video, and photography to multimedia sculptures of various scales, I aim to weave narratives inspired by the unwavering resilience of women worldwide as they assert their fundamental rights.
Drawing from my personal experiences, my work serves as a testament to their struggles and aspirations, envisioning a world of equality and solidarity. My work evokes empathy by incorporating materials that serve as constant reminders of femininity. These materials are not merely artistic elements but symbolic representations of the enduring strength and resilience of women. I am deeply committed to using my art as a catalyst for social change, leveraging it as a platform for dialogue and activism. Beyond my artistic endeavors, I am passionately involved in education and community engagement. As an art educator, I believe in the transformative power of creativity to empower individuals and effect positive change within their communities. In essence, my overarching goal as an artist is to challenge entrenched power structures and advocate for a society that is more equitable and inclusive for all.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
To those embarking on their artistic journey, I encourage embracing it with curiosity and a spirit of adventure. Dare to venture beyond familiar territory, exploring diverse techniques and mediums without fear of failure. Each artistic endeavor, regardless of outcome, contributes to your evolution as an artist.
Seek guidance from mentors and peers who can offer invaluable wisdom and support. Collaboration and community foster growth and enrich the creative process.
Undoubtedly, the road of an artist is marked by highs and lows, with setbacks being an inevitable part of the journey. Yet, maintaining faith in your vision and abilities is crucial. Trust in your unique perspective and creative instincts. Stay resilient, stay authentic, enjoy your process, and never cease to push the boundaries of your creativity.
“Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.” – Twyla Tharp
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nasimmoghadam.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moghadam_nasim/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nasim-moghadam-50570a57/
Image Credits
Kiana Honarmand
James Ken Butler
Nasim Moghadam
