We were lucky to catch up with Shoora Majedian recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shoora, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

Like many immigrants, I have two starting points for almost every experience in my life. I began my art education in Iran, earning both a BA and an MA in Painting and Drawing. However, when I moved to Canada, my professional trajectory felt delayed. My initial focus was on establishing financial stability, and teaching at various high schools, and it wasn’t until a few years later that I realized my degrees weren’t fully recognized. Despite graduating from one of Iran’s most reputable universities, my MA held little value here, reinforcing the feeling of starting over.
So, I began applying to universities in North America to pursue my MFA. By that time, I had already missed opportunities for residencies and professional growth, and I felt the impact of being at a different stage in life, both mentally and physically. Despite my passion and commitment, I often wonder how things might have unfolded differently had I started earlier—particularly in navigating the art market, where establishing a foothold sooner might have provided a stronger position.
There is an unfortunate sense of ageism in the art market—an emphasis on how early one develops a painting language and brings it to the public. However, I see this as a lifelong pursuit, something that cannot be fully realized at an early stage.

Shoora, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a painter and visual artist based in Vancouver, originally from Iran. While painting may not provide solutions, it raises questions about society and life—questions I am committed to exploring. Despite the challenges of this industry, I take pride in my persistence and ambition. After immigrating in my late 30s, I fully embraced my identity as both an artist and educator, teaching at the university level while maintaining an active studio practice. Receiving prestigious awards in painting following my MFA has been a source of immense pride. Winning the 2022 Plaskett Painting Award and being selected for the Pope Residency at NSCAD in 2023 are among the highlights of my career.

In my ongoing painting practice, I explore the ontology of the present while reflecting on the past and envisioning the future. I analyze how figures interact within the spatial constraints of a two-dimensional surface, translating social experiences into a visual language through a refined compositional approach. My inspiration emerges from the dynamic interplay of everyday occurrences, sociopolitical contexts, and historical mythologies, all shaping my creative choices. Translating smaller sketches and paintings into large-scale canvases allows me to experiment with medium and form, building a sense of movement and continuity. Each piece presents unique challenges and demands fresh techniques.

In my series “Damavand,” I delve into memories, drawing on experiences often shaped by elemental forces like heat and water. These elements serve as symbolic threads, anchoring each memory in a specific sensory experience. By capturing fleeting moments, I aim to transcend their simplicity, revealing their metaphorical depth. Dislocation takes diverse paths, prompting reflection on transformation within the painting. For example, in “We Observed the Water,” I depict a scene from Iran that highlights gender segregation through translucent gowns, juxtaposing chaotic, fragmented body forms against the serene presence of water. A Persian ground jay appears among the rocks in the foreground, symbolizing the desire for freedom—capable of flight yet choosing to stay or run.

Inspired by a cynical initiative of the Iranian morality police, “Behind the Curtain” employs humor to address the ban on public swimming for women. The piece references the covering of public water areas with blue tarps, allowing women to swim in bathing suits without being seen. Through this, I explore themes of voyeurism and the absurdity of restrictions imposed on what should be a simple, everyday activity.

In my ongoing series “Resurrection,” initiated during my William and Isabel Pope residency at NSCAD, I explore the repetition of figures from the Persepolis Apadana Bas-Reliefs. This series delves into the cultural prohibition of singing and dancing for women in Iran, using walking figures to symbolize both political repetition and the enduring hope for change.

My work represents an evolving dialogue between personal experience and broader cultural narratives, reflecting the complexities of identity, memory, and socio-political constraints. By utilizing a familiar Western visual language, I strive to present contemporary Middle Eastern challenges in a nuanced way, moving beyond the oversimplifications often conveyed by social media and news outlets.

Shoora Majedian
www.shooramajedian.com

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

I believe that art education often overlooks essential topics like addressing the economic realities of the art world and understanding how to navigate the art market. Building connections with curators and acting as a bridge between artists and galleries are crucial for success. For immigrants, this process is even more challenging. In a new country, access to networks is often limited, and individual connections tend to be the primary way to learn about opportunities—a daunting task for someone unfamiliar with the environment. The constant struggle to find the right platform for your work is not only exhausting but also takes away valuable time that artists could spend in the studio creating.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I have relocated three times in pursuit of my education. The first was a significant move and migration from Tehran to Toronto. Later, I moved to Chicago for a year to complete a post-baccalaureate program. Unfortunately, I was unable to continue with a master’s program due to financial constraints and the lack of funding opportunities. Eventually, I moved to Vancouver to pursue my master’s degree, where I currently reside. Moving from one place to another and adapting to new environments, while building friendships and connections, has not been an easy journey. Living in Vancouver now, far from my family in Toronto, is a choice I made to advance my career and achieve greater recognition and prestige in my field as an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shooramajedian.com
• Instagram: shoora_majedian
• Facebook: Shoora Majedian
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@shooramajedian5804?si=qDaJj3X0XoK4r3C_