Afarin Sajedi’s Portraits of Women Redefine Strength

These colorful, sometimes discomforting portraits by Tehran-based artist Afarin Sajedi present a unique image of strength. They are the many faces and mixed emotions of modern Iranian women, particularly the pain and joy felt upon leaving the safe walls of home. She is heavily inspired by Heinrich Boll’s Clown, seen in her use of makeup, while Gustav Klimt’s color palette strongly influences her use of agressive colors like red. This is also evident in her subject's costumes worn similarly to traditional hijab headwear. Some replace their hijab with helmets and plastic bags, while others express themselves by piercing their skin with utensils. No matter how they are outfitted, Sajedi's women hold onto their bold spirit underneath.

These colorful, sometimes discomforting portraits by Tehran-based artist Afarin Sajedi present a unique image of strength. They are the many faces and mixed emotions of modern Iranian women, particularly the pain and joy felt upon leaving the safe walls of home. She is heavily inspired by Heinrich Boll’s Clown, seen in her use of makeup, while Gustav Klimt’s color palette strongly influences her use of agressive colors like red. This is also evident in her subject’s costumes worn similarly to traditional hijab headwear. Some replace their hijab with helmets and plastic bags, while others express themselves by piercing their skin with utensils. No matter how they are outfitted, Sajedi’s women hold onto their bold spirit underneath.

Topics

Afarin Sajedi, Gustav Klimnt, Heinrich Boll, Iraniani Art, Portraiture

Abstract Expressionism, marbling, Mikael Takacs, Portraiture

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Swedish artist Mikael Takacs creates mesmerizing paintings that he then distorts with marble effects. His subjects are people that he has met in his own life, warped into his own interpretations using the abstract expression of marbling. "I find that the half abstract nature of my portraits makes it both easier and harder to connect with them. It's harder in the sense that you can't really see who it is, or maybe even what it is. It may be easier to connect with them for basically the same reason, as you can project so much of your own thoughts onto someone you can just barely see."

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Collage, maja egli, Portraiture

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alyssa monks, Landscape, Portraiture

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Abstract Art, Classical, Figurative Art, Michael Reeder, Portraiture

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Afarin Sajedi’s Portraits of Women Redefine Strength

Mikael Takacs Creates Mesmerizing Paintings with Marble Effects

Maja Egli’s Collages of Women Mix Handmade and Digital Techniques

Alyssa Monks’ Compelling Oil Paintings Blend Portraiture and Landscape

Michael Reeder Explores Identity in Eclectic Portraits

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