We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kiana Honarmand. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kiana below.

Kiana, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is an installation titled A Shadow in the Depth of Light. It’s a tribute to the Woman Life Freedom protests in Iran, which erupted in September 2022 after the tragic death of Mahsa (Jina) Amini at the hands of the morality police. The protests have been about more than just her—it’s a fight for freedom, dignity, and equality for women. Sadly, the Iranian government responded with extreme violence, killing hundreds of people, including children, and brutally attacking and arresting thousands. Many artists, lawyers, and activists have been imprisoned for simply speaking out.

This installation brings attention to these human rights violations and the bravery of the women leading the charge in Iran. At the heart of A Shadow in the Depth of Light are around 300 3D-printed hands, each bearing the name of a victim of the government crackdown. These hands rest on reflective surfaces, interacting with light and shadows cast by a vinyl installation on the gallery windows, creating a haunting yet powerful tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the fight for freedom.

Additionally, the installation includes synthetic hair, arranged in braids and other forms, suspended above the sculptures. This hair is symbolic of the acts of defiance by Iranian women—many of whom cut off their hair in protest after Mahsa Amini’s death. It’s a way of resisting the oppressive laws that police women’s bodies, particularly the mandatory hijab. By incorporating these hair pieces, the installation honors the strength and resilience of these women, highlighting their fight for basic human rights.

Ultimately, this project means a great deal to me. It’s not just about creating art—it’s about honoring the brave souls who have risked everything for a better future and shedding light on a struggle that affects so many lives. My deepest hope is that through this installation, viewers will not only reflect on the sacrifices made but also feel moved to take action and stand in solidarity for freedom and equality.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m an interdisciplinary artist who works with a variety of mediums, materials, and processes, each inspired by the concept behind my projects. While my background is in photography, I truly fell in love with making and experimenting when I started using different mediums in grad school. Over the past decade, I’ve worked with mixed media, video, sculpture, new media, and installations—my favorite medium. I’ve explored everything from paper, fabric, and plastic, to wood, metal, and even hair. I’m also fascinated by integrating technology into my work, using tools like laser cutters, 3D printers, and more recently, AR and AI.

What I’m most passionate about is creating installations that transform how viewers interact with the artwork, turning the experience into something more immersive and personal. Art, for me, is a way to bridge cultures and start conversations with people from different backgrounds, and I love using these diverse mediums to communicate my concepts.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artist, for me, is the ability to share my experiences with the world through my work. As humans, we all wrestle with complex emotions, and for someone like me, who doesn’t always express those feelings easily through words, visual art has become my voice. It’s an outlet that allows me to communicate deep emotions and personal stories in ways that are both cathartic and meaningful. What makes it truly fulfilling, though, is the realization that my art creates connections. By sharing these pieces of myself, I’ve discovered that others can see their own struggles, joys, and experiences reflected in my work, which builds a bridge through our shared humanity. That sense of connection is both humbling and powerful—it reminds me of the impact art can have in bringing people together.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I believe art plays a vital role in society, going far beyond creating beauty or adding to our culture. It fosters human connection, empathy, and understanding, bridging gaps between diverse perspectives. Numerous studies have shown how art impacts everything from mental health to reducing crime rates and building stronger communities. Despite this, art and artists often find themselves sidelined—there’s always news about funding cuts or lack of support. In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to recognize that a thriving creative ecosystem is essential for a healthy and happy society.
To truly support artists and sustain this ecosystem, we need to prioritize funding for public art, artist residencies, and community programs that engage people through creativity. On an individual level, people can help by actively showing up—attending exhibitions, buying artwork, sharing resources, or simply spreading the word about artists whose work resonates with them. Every act of support, big or small, strengthens the creative community and ensures that art continues to enrich our collective lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kianahonarmand.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kianahonarmand/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiana-honarmand-554a59273/

Image Credits

Kiana Honarmand, VisArts