Mehregan Pezeshki shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Mehregan, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
When I think about whether I’m walking a path or wandering, it’s a bit of both. For a long time, I didn’t fully realize that my path was my art. In my twenties, I was passionate about art but didn’t believe it could be a career. I explored different paths, working in tech and taking on various roles, but I eventually realized that true happiness for me lay in returning to my art. Moving to Los Angeles and pursuing my MFA was a turning point, and I’m proud of breaking free from the mindset that art can’t be a career.
Still, the journey isn’t always linear. Sometimes, it feels like wandering as much as it does walking a clear path. But when I look back at the past few years, I see how much progress I’ve made. In a way, maybe the art path is a wandering one, filled with exploration and growth.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a multidisciplinary artist, and my work blends performance art with photography, printmaking, sculpture, and more. My artistic journey is deeply influenced by my Iranian heritage and the diverse places I’ve lived—Austin, San Francisco, New Orleans, and now Los Angeles. Each of these experiences has enriched my artistic voice and helped me understand the complexities of tradition. I’m constantly seeking to break free from outdated boundaries and challenge conventions that no longer serve us. For me, it’s essential to continually renew and redefine my understanding of self and identity.
My work often reflects the complex interplay between identity and the emotional landscapes of navigating multiple cultural backgrounds. Right now, I’m channeling all of my energy into creating works that raise awareness about the ongoing massacre, executions, the brutality, and suppression in Iran. The recent tragic events in my homeland have deeply affected me, and as an artist in exile, I feel more connected than ever to my roots.
Through my art, I explore themes of identity, the emotional landscapes of navigating different cultures, and the complexities of femininity. I love pushing boundaries, questioning traditions, and delving into raw human emotions—from color and absurdity to nudity and desire.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I truly love this question because it invites me to reflect on the layers of influence that shape us. For me, it’s not just about who I was before the world defined me, but about understanding why I am the way I am today. I often find myself pondering how much of my identity is truly my own and how much of it is shaped by what I was taught to believe.
From the moment we’re born, we absorb the values and norms around us—family, culture, religion, society—and these influences gradually shape our understanding of what’s “normal.” Living and traveling across different places has opened my eyes to how limited and sometimes restrictive those learned perspectives can be. It’s taught me to question, to look beyond what I was told, and to redefine myself on my own terms.
So now, instead of focusing solely on who I was before the world shaped me, I ask myself: Who am I when I challenge those ingrained beliefs and look within?
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There was a time when I felt profoundly overwhelmed. During the summer of the conflict between Iran and Israel, I joined a protest in downtown Los Angeles, feeling a strong sense of solidarity and hope. But after the protest, I learned about the devastating escalation when the U.S. conducted a bombing operation on Iran. That news shook me deeply, and at my lowest point, I even struggled with thoughts of ending my life, feeling isolated and overwhelmed by everything.
Over time, with the support of my family and my amazing therapist, and by reconnecting with my community and hearing others share their struggles, I realized I wasn’t alone. This sense of shared experience rekindled my hope and reaffirmed my commitment to making a positive difference, despite the setbacks.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
For me, authenticity and honesty are at the heart of who I am. I truly value being genuine, both in my personal life and in my art. Of course, that doesn’t mean I’m perfect or that I never have moments where I might not be completely transparent. But I believe in sharing my true self, including both my strengths and my vulnerabilities. In my art, I aim to be as open and raw as possible, creating spaces where others feel comfortable doing the same. I know that in today’s world, it’s easy to present a filtered version of ourselves, and that’s something I want to move away from. I want my work to reflect genuine human experiences and foster real connections. That said, I also understand the importance of setting boundaries and respecting others’ comfort. Ultimately, it’s about creating a space where we can all be more open and authentic.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
My love for music has always been profound, and I’ve had a broad, deep appreciation for various musical styles, drawing on both Eastern and Western traditions. Even though I’m quite social and open, my voice has often felt suppressed due to childhood traumas and personal experiences. In my performances, I’ve always brought my whole body into the work, but my voice has been more elusive.
To change that, over the past couple of years, I’ve embarked on a journey of vocal training. I started with traditional Persian singing lessons, and as I progressed, I realized the importance of building a solid foundation. Now, I’m focusing on solfege, understanding notes, and refining my technical skills. I’ve even begun exploring the keyboard to deepen my musical understanding. It’s definitely a gradual process, and I know it might take a good decade to reach a decent level, but I’m fully committed to this journey for both my art and my personal growth as slow and long as it takes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mehreganpezeshki.com
- Instagram: mehreganpezeshkistudio
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehregan-pezeshki-6b42b627/
- Twitter: @Mehreganpezeshk
- Facebook: mehreganpezeshkistudio
Image Credits
Brendan Lott, Lydia Horne, Joana P. Cardozo, Haniyeh Parhizkar, Lianna Nakashima, Heather Gray
