Interview
Azita Lashgari
Azita Lashgari is a true multi-cultural artist, drawing inspiration from her extensive global experiences across five continents. Her artistic journey began at the age of ten with graffiti in her bedroom, evolving into a rich body of work that reflects the fusion of diverse cultural experiences. Azita's art spans traditional paintings to modern graffiti, exploring themes of identity, diversity, and the shared human experience. Immersed in various artistic traditions worldwide, her work serves as a bridge between cultures, fostering connections and understanding.
One powerful thread in Azita's narrative is her exploration of women's struggles in Iran, shedding light on resilience amidst challenges. From the traditional polo game in Afghanistan to the lush landscapes of Mauritius and the fall colors of Germany, her versatility as an artist seamlessly blends themes, showcasing the interconnectedness of global cultures. Azita's artistic expression extends beyond the visual; she considers light as a profound means of communication. Through her mastery of light, she creates a sensory experience that transcends the visual, delving into the complexities of the human experience. Her art becomes a mirror reflecting the myriad emotions and thoughts shaping our existence, inviting viewers to connect with the universal language of light and color. Azita's admiration for artistic luminaries such as Édouard Manet, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Gerhard Richter, and Bahman Mohasses influences her creative journey. She aspires to achieve their level of mastery, contributing to the rich tapestry of artistic expression in her unique way. Her artistic process is marked by deep exploration across various mediums, including oil painting, bronze sculptures, ceramics, and stone. This deliberate and focused approach allows her to craft comprehensive narratives and provide viewers with a profound understanding of each theme. The interplay of these diverse mediums reflects her commitment to a nuanced storytelling process that transcends traditional boundaries. Azita's artistic philosophy centers on the belief that artists play a crucial role in shaping and inspiring society. She sees art as a powerful force for societal progression, reflecting on challenges while inspiring positive change. Her work confronts societal complexities and injustices, prompting meaningful discussions. Simultaneously, she believes in the transformative power of art to inspire hope, stir imagination, and propel society toward new horizons, contributing to a shared journey of progress and beauty. Through her art, Azita Lashgari invites viewers to engage with the world in thought-provoking ways, fostering a collective desire for positive evolution.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I come from a diverse mix of cultures in which I grew up and lived throughout my life. As an artist, I seek to reflect my experiences in whatever form they take. I am an architect by trade and the urge to create has been part of my life since my teenage years. I have worked with various mediums from charcoal to ink , sculpture and photography. I started painting with acrylic about twenty-five years ago and moved to oil painting after the first time I used the medium. I love the malleability of oil colors and how they provide the possibility of being mixed on canvas and create shadows and soft edges.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“I believe that the experiences of the artist reflect themselves in their expression. I stay away from placard art, although the human suffering through injustice deeply moves my soul and hopefully finds its expression in my work. The ultimate art for me is produced when the artist, the technique, and the subject matter merge and find their most expressive form. when that art finds its audience then artist is in peace and can allow all sources of inspiration find their way to expression.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“I plan my work so far as the subject and the size in which I want to paint it in and as I move along the painting, I chose different parts to be added or eliminated. There are works that I have allowed myself to just improvise, and it is pretty amazing how the accidents that happen in the course of a creation, add to magical effect of the final piece.”
Are there any art world trends you are following?
“No, I have no specific style as I find different themes require different forms and styles. I know that I cannot do abstraction just for the sake of colors and forms. I could take an image or parts of different images and create an abstraction of them but adding color and forms for the sake of composition only are not part of my work.”
“My art is my life, it is the vessel of my existence like the water to the fish.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“I engage in the subject that is on my mind and touches my senses at the moment and depending on the subject I chose a form to express it. Generally, I create a series of work on a theme and stay with it until I feel like I have explored the theme thoroughly. I work with images and change it to express the feeling I am seeking to express.”
What does your art mean to you?
“My art is my life, it is the vessel of my existence like the water to the fish. I produce art because I have the need to record beauty and share my vision of what I perceive as my reality. I believe that art is the true reflection of our time and our existence. Just as the primitive people painted in the caves, we have the need to leave our mark on humanity and let the generations to come know what we have seen and experienced. The biggest challenge for me as an artist is believing in the process and letting my work take me to where it will ripen to its rightful place. The evolution of the work and its synchronicity with my soul is the ultimate fruit of creation.”
What’s your favourite artwork and why?
“There are so many pieces of art that I could spend hours mesmerized staring at. I love the work of various artist from different periods. I admire works that reflect the life and perception of the artist of their circumstances.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“My exhibition at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi was the product of my residency at museum. The subject of the exhibition was the Emirati women in their daily lives. I had the privilege of working with some artists who were willing to pose for the portraits and the sceneries that were inspired by Picasso's les demoiselles d'Avignon and Manet's painting le dejeuner sur l'herbe.”
Website: azitalashgari.com
Instagram: @azitajoon
