We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Narges Poursadeqi a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Narges, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I hold my series, “Reprinting the Family Album,” in a special place in my heart due to its deeply personal nature and the profound effect it has had on my perspective as an artist.

The project began when I stumbled upon a collection of old family photographs, cherished memories captured on film. These images had been digitized, shared, and re-shared, leading to a degradation in their quality and an overall sense of detachment from the original moments. It was a bittersweet discovery, as the photos were vital links to my family’s history, yet their transformation into digital artifacts felt like a form of distancing.

The project became a quest to reclaim these lost memories, to breathe new life into them. I saw the low resolution and faded colors not as shortcomings but as a canvas for reinvention. It involved intricate processes, from converting these digital images into negatives to harnessing the transformative power of lumen printing. The images, at this point, were like dormant artifacts, much like the talismans in my broader body of work. I felt the need to reactivate them, to awaken the emotions and stories they held.

What makes this project profoundly meaningful is the reconnection it facilitated with my family’s history. Each image, no matter how degraded, still carried the essence of those moments. It transcended the boundaries of time and technology, rekindling the invisible threads that connected me to my roots. As I held the reprinted images in my hands, I could sense the energy of those memories, long expired yet eternally resonant.

“Reprinting the Family Album” serves as a testament to the enduring power of art to bridge the past and present. It has allowed me to not only preserve and honor my family’s history but also to share it with a wider audience, evoking the universal themes of memory, nostalgia, and the inevitable passage of time. In this project, I found a profound connection between my personal journey and the broader context of cultural history, and it has redefined my understanding of the role of art in preserving and celebrating our shared narratives. This project, for me, embodies the essence of what it means to be an artist and a steward of memory.

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.

My name is Nargеs Poursadеqi; I was born and raised in Tеhran, Iran, a place that has greatly influenced my artistic perspective. My creative path began with a dееp apprеciation for photography and vidеo production, which I initially еxplorеd at thе Iranian Youth Cinеma Sociеty. Latеr, I studied Fine Art at the University of California, Berkeley, and eventually earned a master’s degree from the California College of Arts. My creative work revolves around exploring the intricate interplay between culture, memory, and narrative, delving into the profound ways in which each element shapes the other. I take inspiration from political events, culture, and religion, using archived photos, videos, and texts as my raw materials. I like to think of myself as both a collector and a storyteller, shaping contemporary art that responds to contemporary issues, political movements, and cultural discourse.

One of the defining features of my practice is the meticulous attention I pay to finding the perfect context for each object, the ideal vessel for each archive material. This process is at the heart of my artistic practice and is deeply influenced by the specific themes and stories I aim to convey.

Another aspect of my work is using childhood toys such as kaleidoscopes and View-Masters. These playful devices serve as tools to help viewers engage with challenging and sometimes painful narratives.

I’m most proud of my commitment to enlarging the issues that need to be discussed and ensuring that specific stories are not forgotten. I’m passionate about shedding light on social and cultural inequalities that marginalized groups and excluded communities face. As an instructor, I strive to inspire my students to consider these issues as they create their own art. My experiences of exclusion and discrimination have shaped my deep respect for diversity and inclusion in all aspects of life, from gender and religion to cultural and socioeconomic differences.

My art serves as a bridge between the past and the present, amplifying voices that may have been silenced for far too long. My creative works aim to inspire and provoke thought and bring about positive change.

For followers and fans, I want you to know that my art is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of storytelling. I invite you to join me on this artistic journey, where we can collectively explore the intricate tapestry of culture, memory, and narrative that shapes our world. Together, we can engage with challenging stories, provoke thought, and ultimately contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate society.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the profound opportunity to give voice to the silenced, challenge perceptions, and illuminate our world’s hidden narratives. Through my work, I have the privilege to question the intricate dynamics of geographical culture and its impact on the lives of women.

The potential of art to stimulate empathy, comprehension, and transformation is truly gratifying. In a world where expressing oneself can lead to unthinkable consequences, my work stands as a testament to the importance of free expression. Through my art, I hope to inspire conversations, challenge stereotypes, and advocate for the rights and voices of those who might otherwise remain unheard.

Being an artist, especially as a person who has witnessed the consequences of self-expression, is a privilege that I cherish. I take pride in using my work to explore the intricacies of our shared human experience, ignite conversations, and ultimately strive to make the world a more inclusive, compassionate, and accepting place.

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

To foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives, it’s crucial to recognize that it’s the artist’s inherent responsibility as a thinker to evoke awareness, raise questions, and challenge the critical issues that require discussion and solutions. Artists have a unique capacity to illuminate societal, cultural, and political topics, igniting conversations that can pave the way for positive changes.

While societal support can indeed be valuable, the true impact of art often starts from the artist’s courage and determination to speak out, provoke thought, and create meaningful, transformative work. Art serves as a potent vehicle for change, and it is the artist’s duty to navigate this vehicle toward addressing the pressing issues of our era. This collaborative effort, spearheaded by artists, holds the potential to propel society forward and cultivate a thriving creative ecosystem.

Furthermore, providing artists with more platforms and opportunities to share their work is essential. When art becomes an integral part of people’s lives rather than a mere commodity, it not only empowers artists but also enriches society. By integrating art into everyday existence, we create a culture where creativity and expression are valued, cherished, and understood. This, in turn, strengthens the artist’s role in shaping our collective consciousness and nurturing a vibrant, supportive environment for their endeavors.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nargespoursadeqi.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narges.__p/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/narges-p-88a86b162/

Image Credits
Personal Photo by Asel Kadyrkhanova_ https://www.instagram.com/kyzylcat/