Today we’d like to introduce you to Azin Yousefiani
Hi Azin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am from Kurdistan province of Iran, Sanadaj city. I came to the USA to complete my MFA degree in Painting, Drawing, and Printmaking at Georgia State University. Through my artworks, I explore my cultural identity as a new resident in the United States using monoprints, hand-made paper, fabric, mixed-media collages, and video. I investigate my shifted identity from my hometown, Kurdistan, Iran to this new environment through searching for a new visual language. My artworks juxtapose different forms and concepts regarding my cultural identity in which a part of me is always missing like a fragment of an ancient object. I have many contradictory feelings about the new version of myself, trying to compensate for my insecurities by using transformed patterns just like my transformed identity. Misinterpretation, separation, lack of intimacy, and mistranslation in an unfamiliar world are inspiring sources in my works that lead to a distortion of my identity in a new language translation.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Indeed it is never easy for anyone to leave their country and home to start everything from scratch. Undoubtedly, immigration can be considered one of the most traumatic experiences a person can go through. However, I came here by my choice to continue my studies and build a new life here, it’s not been easy. Living conditions in my country have been hard and as an artist who dedicated her entire life to this path, it was even more disappointing to develop my artworks back there. Having to leave behind my beautiful country, home, and family for my future and career has been the biggest challenge of my life.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have been doing lots of painting and mixed media work back in my country. I came here as a painter but now my concentration is more on printmaking and papermaking and sometimes artist’s books. I have also taught different courses such as Drawing, 2D design, and printmaking at Georgia State University as part of my new path in life. Sometimes I wonder how I could go through all the challenges and changes that I have been through So that I could be something to be proud of. Part of my new journey has been to incorporate facets of my old life into my new life. Blending traditional textures and patterns with new ideas and meanings has helped me find my place in this world
How do you think about luck?
The United States has given me a new start and life and has made me believe that luck isn’t just an idea meant for other people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.azinyousefiani.ir/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azin_yousefiani
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Azin.artworks/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/azin-yousefiani-321b669b/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChrRzXA7CRzWhhCHzzcKg0Q
Image Credits
Azin Yousefiani
