Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hadi Aghaee. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Hadi thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

When I revived my passion for art after three and a half decades, I entertained the notion that making visually captivating paintings could serve as a supplemental income stream. However, I swiftly encountered the vast expanse of competition in the artistic field. After considerable contemplation, I arrived at the conclusion that if my endeavors failed to yield sufficient returns to even cover the costs of materials and labor, I would redirect my focus toward what I truly desired: producing; art that is meaningful and holds significance of the time we live in, regardless of its commercial appeal or marketability.

Embarking on this new chapter, I embraced the essence of being an authentic artist — crafting works that arises from the depths of my mind and soul, rather than conforming to external expectations or catering solely to popular demand.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

At a young age, I discovered my passion for art, but after High School life responsibilities took me on a different path, and I temporarily set aside my artistic pursuits for nearly three and a half decades. However, a few years ago, I made the decision to reignite that creative spark and pick up where I had left off.

Upon my return to the world of art, I embarked on a journey of exploration, embracing various styles and subjects and experimented with different mediums, including Colored Pencil, Pastel Pencil, Acrylic, oil, and even 3D sculpture. Through these experiments, I discovered that Acrylic on canvas resonates with me the most, becoming my preferred medium.

As I dedicated myself to my craft, my artistic skills rapidly developed, and my works took on a more profound and thought-provoking nature. Within this relatively short period since my return, I have actively participated in group exhibitions and competitions, receiving multiple awards for my creations. Notably, my art has been displayed in group exhibitions at renowned venues such as the de Young Museum in San Francisco, the Haggin Museum in Stockton, the Triton Museum in Santa Clara, as well as various Art centers in Northern California. Proudly, in 2023, I was honored with a solo exhibition at the Triton Museum of Art in Santa Clara CA..

Through my artistic journey, I have experienced both personal growth and recognition within the art community. I am excited to continue exploring new horizons, pushing the boundaries of my creativity, and sharing my artwork with a wider audience.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In a group exhibition, I observed a group of women drawn to my painting, their embrace tight and their whispers intense. Approaching them, I inquired about their thoughts on my artwork, only to be met with the sight of tears streaming down their cheeks. Initially taken aback, I offered my apologies, but their response surprised me as they enveloped me in a comforting embrace, expressing gratitude for bringing such a poignant subject to public attention.

In that moment, I realized that my art was achieving its intended purpose—not necessarily evoking tears, but igniting contemplation and sparking meaningful conversations.

Renowned artist and activist Nina Simon once articulated, “As an artist, you have the duty to reflect on the time you live in,” while activist Cesar Cruz emphasized that “Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.” As I embark on this journey, I am committed to carrying their words close to my heart, allowing them to guide the creation of art that resonates deeply with societal issues and prompts thought-provoking dialogue.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

The subjects I explore through my creativity often garner admiration from viewers and catch the attention of those in positions of art authority. However, they typically don’t align with the tastes of the average person seeking artwork for their living room walls. Even fellow artists and non-artists alike struggle to comprehend why I devote myself to creating pieces that I know won’t fetch a price tag.

My response is straightforward: Monetary gain is the furthest thing from my mind when I embark on a painting project. My mindset is rooted in the belief that I must create what I deem important to express visually, free from the influence of external pressures or considerations of profit. Having said that, I am open to anyone who desire to acquire my work to add to their collections.
My philosophy dictates that if I were to prioritize creating pieces solely for their marketability and potential financial returns, I would stray from creating genuine art, merely churning out consumer products. Instead, I choose to remain true to my vision and create art that speaks from the depths of my soul, regardless of its commercial viability. The challenge of surviving on a fixed income hasn’t swayed me from staying the course.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Hadiaghaeefineart.com
• Instagram: #hadiaghaeefineart
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/hadiaghaeefineart

Image Credits

All images are taken by myself (The artist)