Exhibit Information
Artist: Mahsa Soroudi
Media: Photography, Graphic Design
Website:https://www.mahsasoroudi.com/
Instagram: @mahsasoroudi
The artist Mahsa Soroudi is an Iranian independent art curator and an artist that earned her BFA in Visual Communication at Azad Art and Architecture University, Tehran in 2006. She moves to different countries to compare life from her new home to the one in Iran where she grew up. During the interview conducted by Glen Zuckman, she discussed her succulents and how the artistic process was unconsciously representing her new life in America. She has traveled to many Asian countries that have given her a vast understanding of their cultures.
Ms. Soroudi mentioned how her father is a painter and growing up in a moderate Muslim family allowed her to be more open in her art. She watched a lot of Hollywood movies that gave her an insight into Los Angeles, California. A week after she married her fiance they both moved away from Iran to the States. Moving to America for her was not about refuge but to get inspiration and learn from the diversity of the cultures here. Mahsa was born after the Islamic Revolution that shaped her to have a neutral perspective. Even though in her work and posts on social media website convey how she was going through a difficult chapter in her life, ” there is a lot of conflicting ideas and feelings that people might have in specific situations” she said during the interview on Youtube. This demonstrates how her family’s point of view is different about the revolution since her mom was working and new political changes were made.
However, for artist Mahsa, it was a new opportunity in a foreign country. In the Youtube interview video, she shows us her tray of growing plants. She compares them to her own experience of moving into her new home at the time. The first leaf to grow takes time for the roots to adapt and grow strong. Where she learned to adapt to life in LA and continue her art in Newport Beach. She mentioned how plantation is different from Iran, and that plants are as important as a person. They need the care to survive. Overall, the succulents represent her growth in a new environment but to never forget your roots.
A way I can relate to her art and her experience is that I am continuously growing even when I am not in a comfortable environment. Getting comfortable with the uncomfortable is important to get out of your shell and learn about the different cultures around us. Especially in a city like Los Angeles. Her 7500 miles is also special to me because I understand where her emotions about women’s roles are subjective to others that take their individuality. Women are not just mothers, wives, and daughters. But are also their passions and Mahsa message of only showcasing Iranian women artists is a perfect example of women being seen for their craft and not expected toles. By curating a feminist exhibition to encourage the view of women in their intimate moments in life.
Kimberly's Art Blog 