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I was born and raised in the northern region of Iran, in Gilan. The people of Gilan form one of the main ethnic groups residing in northern Iran, traditionally working as farmers and artisans.
Through my art practice, I strive to make hidden conversations visible, addressing both individual and societal dimensions. I view objects in space as dynamic mediums that encapsulate the essence of memory and the present self, prompting critical thinking and care rather than nostalgia. These objects foster open questions and conversations within the spaces they inhabit.
My process begins with selecting materials that can reflect my thoughts and effectively carry the intended message, all while remaining grounded in reality. The concepts I explore often arise from questioning the cultural landscape—where culture, shaped by political ideologies, serves to sustain structures that suppress authentic individual expression, impose gender-based restrictions in everyday life, mediate society, and limit our ability to truly understand one another.
I realize that our relationship with nature continues to be tainted by mistreatment, violence, and a sense of superiority—a pattern prevalent in modern societies and furthered by political leaders who exploit culture to embed their ideologies in society.
Through my practice, art extends beyond personal expression to engage with the broader social, cultural, and political struggles within the cutthroat capitalist climate. I ask about the cause and effect in the cultural landscape we inhabit. How do historical, social, and political forces shape our collective identity and creativity? How does art respond to and reflect these social and cultural forces, influencing future cultural norms.
Nina Rastgar
Born 1988 and Raised in Gilan, Iran; works and lives everywhere.
Interdisciplinary & Conceptual artist, Performer, Jeweler
