Zeynab Movahed

Interview with artist Zeynab Movahed —


1. Who are you and what do you do?
I am Zeynab Movahed, an Iranian painter Born in Tehran in December 1981, I started painting when I was a high school student and I was seriously pursuing painting, and then I entered the Faculty of Art and Architecture in Tehran and got a bachelor’s and master’s degree in painting. I still work and live in Tehran and have been painting for almost 23 years. I have had 9 solo exhibitions in Tehran, Kuwait, New York and Lahore  and participated in more than fifty group exhibitions, art fairs, biennials and symposiums around the world.

2. Why art?
From my childhood, I had a tendency towards art, and those around me understood my interest in painting very well. On the other hand, art is not similar to other fields and professions and requires an inner 2‪.‬ passion and love. I have loved painting since I can remember, and this love grows with each passing day, and now I am in a place in my life where life without art and painting is meaningless to me.
Most importantly, painting and art in general are very close to my spirits and talents, so the best choice for me is painting.

3. What is your earliest memory of wanting to be an artist?
This happened when I was in the third grade of elementary school.
My painting was very good and I was very encouraged by my teachers and classmates, and I remember when students were asked at school what they were going to do in the future? I answered quickly and confidently: Painter Now I am proud of those days and my choice because few people achieve their jobs and childhood dreams.

4. What are your favorite subject(s) and media(s)?
I was known as a painter whose subject is a woman and I have used this subject in different periods of my work. But in fact, I did not choose this issue deliberately and it was in my subconscious and with me.
Basically, I believe that the artist should not think about what to do now? And he should look for the subject with despair, but it should be spontaneous in him, and his duty is only to show it.
My favorite medium is oil paint because it provides the conditions in which I can best express my painting concerns.

5. How do you work and approach your subject?
Creative work is a complex and at the same time simple process. It may be difficult at first for an artist at the beginning of his career, but over time he learns how to continue with a lot of concentration and eliminating the factors that distract him, and more importantly, he gradually learns how to present himself. Intuitive and inspiring atmosphere.

I am no exception to this rule and I believe that focusing on the work of the idea and the subject becomes clearer and clearer over time, and as a result, the continuation of the work becomes more enjoyable for the artist.
Of course, this cycle is repeated again to start each work period, and the difficulty, easy , joy and frustration will always be with the artist, which is one of the hallmarks of an artistic life.

6. What are your favorite art work(s), artist(s)?
I like  and  adore many artists and art works from different styles and periods, and I believe that every good artist and every good art works will have an impact in the right place and at the right time. Some of my favorite artists are Paul Gauguin, Andrew Wyeth, Kathe Kollwitz , Gerhard Richter, and Lucien Freud. And I really like and adore some Iranian artists like Davoud Emdadian, Reza Derkhshani, Monir Farmanfarmaian and ……

7. What are the best responses you have had to your work?
As a conceptual painter who depicts the social concerns of my country, I get very good feedback from my audience, especially since many women feel identical and read my works in their own way, and sometimes even for Myself is fresh and very enjoyable. Every artist has a number of opponents and critics and more supporters. In my experience, I believe that a professional artist should not pay attention to any of them and be constantly focused on his work.

8. What do you like about your work?
In fact, everything related to my work is lovable and enjoyable for me.
That I choose my working hours myself. Planning and organizing my work with myself. I do not have a boss. I become one with my work and I love it. I can express my inner worries and feelings, and as soon as a task is not repetitive and follows my own rules, it is a great privilege. The artist has a special place among the people and most people like him, and on the other hand, sometimes, despite all the difficulties, he can earn a good income from it.

9. What advice would you give to other artists?
Based on the experiences I have gained over the years, I believe that in order to create a pure work of art, we must eliminate as much as possible the additional factors that cause our distraction from our lives. It is our duty to take care of our spiritual atmosphere which is conceived by creation and creation. Art life has many ups and downs, and as a result, sometimes deprives the artist of peace, and it is very important for the artist to be able to adapt to different situations and its difficulties and not to be disappointed. Sometimes our mood is great and sometimes it is very bad, and this is perfectly normal and we must be able to accept it. There is no shortcut to art and this path must be taken step by step, and patience and perseverance are very important factors in this path. Having practice and continuous work is our best teacher and the best things happen from inside a lot of work. The artist must be able to present his work and use his internet properly to introduce himself and his work to others, which is a very valuable privilege for our generation

10. Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
It is very difficult to predict the future and I prefer to focus on my work and its correct and professional process instead, because I believe that the right path and not stopping in any work will have a good future. My most important desire is to have a goal at work and to challenge with it, and finally to enjoy and have peace. I have many goals in painting and I hope to be able to have a professional presence in the international arena, of course, if I deserve it.

Zeynab Movahed

LINKS —

Website:  http://www.zeynabmovahed.com
Instagram:  http://Instagram.com/zeynabmovahed
Facebook:  http://Facebook.com/zeynabmovahed
LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/in/zeynab-movahed-21513083