We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Katayoun Bahrami a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Katayoun, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
The most meaningful project I’ve ever worked on is undoubtedly the “Resilience of Poppies, پايداري شقايق ها” project. This project was deeply inspired by the harrowing and courageous stories of men and women who were shot directly in their eyes during the #womanlifefreedom movement in Iran. The backstory behind this project is both heartbreaking and inspiring. During this movement, countless individuals risked their lives to fight for fundamental freedoms and equality. Many of them were brutally targeted, and the fact that they were shot directly in their eyes, leading to blindness for many, is a testament to the extreme measures taken to suppress their voices. While my art has always held personal meaning to me because it has always been about women, especially women in my country, Iran, this past year brought about a considerable shift. #womanlifefreedom movement brought the urgent need for all artists to use their creative talents to address social issues, even for those artists for whom social practice wasn’t their primary practice. I believe art can be a strong force for change and empowerment. Through this project, I found a way to use storytelling through creative art to convey a message of resilience and strength. It became a way to honor the courage of those who had suffered and to continue the fight that had not yet ended. The “Resilience of Poppies, پايداري شقايق ها” project is the most meaningful project I’ve worked on because it emerged from a context of profound social injustice and the courage of individuals fighting for their rights. It is beautiful to see all the artists use art to continue the struggle until light conquers darkness and the sun of freedom embraces all.
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.
For those who may not be familiar with my work, I am a multidisciplinary artist and curator originally from Iran and currently based in the vibrant artistic community of the Bay Area. My artistic journey delves into the complex relationship between women’s bodies and the multifaceted boundaries imposed by political and religious influences, which profoundly affect them in their roles as performers or as subjects of societal conventions. My creative practice draws inspiration from the history of Iranian women, blending elements of social practice, performance, and textile-based installation to give rise to a diverse body of work that includes mixed-media pieces, installations, videos, and photographs. My art has found its way onto the walls of galleries and exhibition spaces both in the United States and internationally. My academic journey has also played a key role in shaping my artistic vision. I earned my BFA from the University of Science and Culture in Iran and an MA in Arts and Cultural Management—Museum Studies from Michigan State University in 2017. I graduated with an MFA in Studio Arts from California College of the Arts in 2022 and am pursuing an MA in Visual and Critical Studies from the same school. One defining element of my art is the presence of Farsi’s handwriting, which serves as a central feature in many of my creations. I often draw upon the poetry of Forugh Farokhzad, an exceptional Iranian feminist poet, to infuse my work with deep layers of meaning. Through my art, I seek to portray a resilient, empowered woman who refuses to be silenced, even in the face of oppressive forces. Through my art, I desire to celebrate women’s unbeatable strength, particularly in the challenging context of societal oppression. My art is a bridge, a means to challenge boundaries, and a line to build a meaningful connection between people and communities.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I can share a story from my journey that embodies the resilience I’ve experienced as an Iranian artist living in the United States while witnessing the courageous uprising of my people from far away. When my homeland was unrest, with people taking to the streets, bravely demanding their rights and freedoms during the Woman, Life, Freedom movement. Standing shoulder to shoulder with my fellow Iranians, I longed to be physically present. With the responsibility as an artist and an advocate, I knew only art could bridge the geographical. I have started projects and performances that aimed to capture the spirit, the voices, and the visions of those on the frontlines of the fight back home. Despite the physical distance, these pieces became my way of joining the wave of change. Even though there were physical miles between us, these artworks and performances still allowed me to connect with my people. Art has the power to exceed borders, languages, and political barriers. It could serve as a hope, a symbol of unity. Through these artworks and my connection to the Iranian diaspora community here in the Bay Area, I strived to raise awareness. My resilience as an Iranian artist is grounded in the belief that art can drive change.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Yes, indeed, there is a specific goal and mission that moves my creative journey. I’ve poured effort into Iranian and American communities throughout my professional path. This is evident in the numerous public events, art projects, and performances I’ve created. These include projects like “Words of Silence” at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and community events such as “The Wind in My Hair” and “Resilience of Poppies” at Clarion Alley Mural Projects in San Francisco, to name a few. I’m working with an American visual artist, writer, and stunning activist, Megan Wilson, on “Manifest Differently.” This multifaceted endeavor, featuring 38 multigenerational artists and poets, explores the expansionist ideology of Manifest Destiny through literary, visual, and media arts storytelling in conjunction with public programming. I aim to continue working on various projects to infuse artistry into social justice and activism within the Bay Are Iranian and American communities. My role is contributing a new voice to the already vibrant cultural fabric of the Bay Area by a commitment to making a meaningful impact through art, storytelling, and advocacy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katayounbahrami.com/
- Instagram: @katayounbahrami_
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/katayounbahrami
Image Credits
Featured Photo: Resilience of Poppies Mural, Photo Credit: Narges Poursadeqi Photo 1: Resilience of Poppies Mural, Photo Credit: Katayoun Bahrami Photos 2&3: Resilience of Poppies Photo Series, Photo Credit: Badri Valian Photos 4&5: Words of Silence, Collaborative performance with Florencia Montefalcone, Photo Credit: Jimmie Flora Photo 6: Weaving Strings of Grief, Collaborative Project with Narges Poursadeqi, Photo Credit: Katayoun Bahrami Photo 7: Weight of the Wall, Photo Credit: Labkhand Olfatmanesh