STOP PRESS… I was delighted to be invited on BBC Radio 4’s Women's Hour to talk about a subject that’s very dear to my heart – the unheard voices of Iranian women (find out more here).
Hi, I’m Tanaz
I was born and raised in Iran, a land of contradictions where deserts and forests are a few miles apart; a land of snow covered mountains and green valleys where palm trees and apple trees grow only a few miles apart from one another. The extraordinary geographical and historical conditions have deeply influenced my culture and people. Our traditions and ceremonies are intertwined with an exotic blend of symbolism and metaphoric language; which is visible in our literature, art and handicrafts... this is my heritage and a part of my being. As an artist, I have always been in search of a relationship between the mysterious and symbolic world of ideas and allegories which take place in mythology, poetry and dreams.
About my work
My art is mainly based on my visual dream diaries which I’ve been keeping for a number of years; where I express my inner self, dreams, memories and reflections. I work mainly in colour as I consider colour to be the soul of life and root of all existence. Ink and acrylics are my main mediums however; I am open to other new media such as monoprints, photography and Photoshop. I have a studio at Thames Side Studios, an artist community located next to the Thames Barrier.
Art as Therapy workshops
I run Art as Therapy workshops called ‘The Art of Self Expression’ for my local MumsAid Charity. Working with new mums and their children, we make time to be playful with colour, explore mark making, talk about our joys and challenges, celebrate life and support each other. I have recently been invited to run a women’s group for HER Centre, a local charity helping and supporting women facing domestic violence.
I would like to expand my workshops and offer them up to anyone who is interested in exploring their emotions and use art as a tool to express.
