We were lucky to catch up with Narges Poursadeqi recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Narges, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience finds its roots in my profound love for art and an unwavering commitment to sharing vital narratives. It has been tested by the adversities imposed by the Iranian government, where artistic expression confronts severe restrictions. As a refugee forging a new beginning in the United States, these challenges have been pivotal in shaping the person I am today. My exploration of fine arts, coupled with deep inquiries into culture, religion, and women’s rights, has played a crucial role in both my artistic evolution and personal growth.
Confronted by these challenges, my resilience deepens. The pursuit of artistic expression transforms into a vehicle for contributing to social and political movements and a source of personal empowerment. Art evolves into a sanctuary—a realm where the intricacies of being an immigrant artist can be unraveled and communally embraced. The tenacity demanded for navigating the daily life of an immigrant artist stands as a testament to the strength acquired through traversing diverse worlds and identities. Within this convergence of cultures and experiences, my art discovers its distinctive voice, mirroring the challenges of my homeland and the resilience demanded by the immigrant experience.
Fundamentally, my resilience is intricately interwoven with a deep passion for art, an enduring commitment to addressing societal issues, and an innate ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments. This resilience acts as a propelling force, not only shaping my personal journey but also influencing my contributions to education and the broader artistic community.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am Nargеs Poursadеqi, born and raised in Tеhran, Iran, a place that profoundly molds my artistic perspective. My creative journey commenced with a profound appreciation for photography and video production, initially explored at the Iranian Youth Cinema Society. Afterward, I pursued Fine Art studies at the University of California, Berkeley, and attained a master’s degree from the California College of Arts. Central to my creative work is an exploration of the intricate interplay between culture, memory, and narrative, delving into the profound ways in which each element influences the other. Political events, culture, and religion serve as my wellsprings of inspiration, with archived photos, videos, and texts serving as my raw materials. I view myself as both a collector and a storyteller, shaping contemporary art that responds to present-day issues, political movements, and cultural discourse.
A defining characteristic of my practice is the meticulous attention I devote to finding the perfect context for each object, the ideal vessel for each piece of archive material. This process lies at the core of my artistic practice and is deeply influenced by the specific themes and stories I aim to convey.
Another facet of my work involves incorporating 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 take immense pride in my commitment to amplifying crucial issues and ensuring that specific stories are not forgotten. My passion lies in illuminating social and cultural inequalities faced by marginalized groups and excluded communities. As an instructor, I aspire to inspire my students to consider these issues as they create their own art. Experiences of exclusion and discrimination have instilled in me a deep respect for diversity and inclusion across various 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. Through my creative works, I aim to inspire and provoke thought, ultimately contributing to positive change.
In my art, I want you to understand that the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit are testaments to the human spirit. I invite you to join me on this artistic journey, where together we will explore the intricate tapestry of culture, memory, and narrative shaping our world.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
At the heart of my artistic journey are several key elements that have markedly contributed to my development and influence. As an interdisciplinary conceptual artist, I intricately weave together the complex threads of politics, historical events, cultural movements, and religion to navigate the profound tapestry of human experience. This commitment to pushing the boundaries in my creative and critical practice became evident throughout my academic journey, notably during my studies at The University of California Berkeley and California College of the Arts, where I earned my master’s degree. Embracing the role of a collector and storyteller, I embark on the profound task of finding vessels for archived photos, videos, and texts, deliberately choosing childhood toys like kaleidoscopes and View-Masters. These mechanical relics of innocence serve as conduits for viewers to digest the often difficult and painful stories I aim to share. My works transcend mere representations; they become talismans, repositories of cultural-historical power awaiting activation by the audience. This transformative power extends beyond symbolism, acting as a bridge between artist and beholder, evoking emotions beyond the ordinary. Through my art, I aspire to create a meaningful connection that prompts contemplation and dialogue, fostering a deeper understanding of the societal narratives embedded in our shared history. Moreover, my artistic philosophy extends beyond individual creation to advocate for a broader impact. I strongly advise embracing social responsibility, cultivating cultural relationships, initiating projects with purpose, and building collaborative networks to amplify the impact of artistic efforts. Recognizing the transformative potential of art as a catalyst for societal change, I believe in the collective power of artists to shape narratives, challenge perspectives, and contribute meaningfully to the discourse surrounding cultural and social issues. Through these principles, I strive to inspire others in the artistic community to join me in fostering positive change and leveraging the unique influence artists possess in shaping a more inclusive and enlightened society.
If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?
The present challenge I’m dealing with revolves around the imperative to illuminate the social and political challenges confronting our society. It involves not only maintaining but also effectively communicating with diverse audiences and providing a platform to engage in critical conversations. The need to shed light on pressing issues demands a delicate balance between artistic expression and fostering meaningful dialogues. Throughout this process, I strive to create artwork that facilitates discussion, inviting people from various backgrounds to share their perspectives. In order to foster understanding, empathy, and awareness, I have to constantly reassess my approach. As artists, we can take on this challenge and create platforms that facilitate dialogue, encourage diversity, and serve as beacons for constructive dialogue.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nargespoursadeqi.com/
- Instagram: instagram.com/narges.__p/
