Meet Nasim Moghadam | Multidisciplinary Visual Artist & Art Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nasim Moghadam and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nasim, why did you pursue a creative career?
First and foremost, I identify as a human being, a woman, and my interactions with the world around me, encompassing my family, society, and the broader world in which I lead my life, have left lasting impressions on me. These impressions gradually find expression through various forms of art over time. At times, these experiences compel me to externalize these influences from within myself and share them with others. This fundamental and intrinsic motivation is at the heart of my artistic endeavors.

On the flip side, I find myself inhabiting a world that often stands far apart from the ideals within my mind. However, this disparity provides me with another layer of motivation: the urge to make an impact on this world through my artistic creations, no matter how modest or seemingly inconsequential they may appear. Yet, even these small contributions provide me with encouragement to move closer to my ideals, or at the very least, not drift further away from them.
As an Iranian-born art educator and a multidisciplinary visual artist, my journey into the art world was shaped by my unique background and life experiences. Growing up in Iran, I witnessed firsthand the complexities of cultural identity and the challenges that women face in a society marked by tradition, religion, and change. These experiences deeply influenced my perspective and ignited my artistic exploration.

I firmly believe that art, with its ability to transcend language and cultural barriers, serves as a catalyst for change. It possesses the power to provoke thought, ignite dialogue, and inspire transformation in ways that traditional forms of advocacy cannot always achieve.
At the core of my creative process lies a vision of a world characterized by equality and solidarity. I celebrate the indomitable spirit of women who transcend cultural and political limitations, boldly uniting to spark a revolution. My work aims to catalyze societal introspection and transformation, shedding light on the persistent limitations and restrictions affecting women and their bodies.

Art, for me, is not just a career but also a potent tool for social change, amplifying the voices of those often marginalized and silenced.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

My art journey is rooted in a strong foundation in graphic design, equipping me with the technical skills and aesthetic sensibilities needed to convey my ideas visually. However, my path took a significant turn when I moved to the United States 13 years ago. At that time, I had limited English proficiency, and the prospect of pursuing a graphic design career in this new environment initially seemed like an insurmountable challenge due to language barriers and cultural differences.

Photography, a lifelong passion of mine, emerged as my primary mode of expression during this transitional period. I enrolled in photography classes not only to improve my language skills but also because I felt an innate connection to this art form. Through these courses, I not only refined my language abilities but also unearthed my unique voice in storytelling and expressing my ideas.

Fueled by a desire to explore the world of art more deeply, I made the pivotal decision to pursue an MFA in studio art at the San Francisco Art Institute. This educational journey was instrumental in making my dream of living as a visual artist and art educator a reality. It broadened my horizons, allowing me to experiment with various mediums and gain a deeper understanding of the artistic process.

My artistic creations encompass a wide range of mediums, including sound, video, photography, and multimedia sculptures. These serve as my canvas for exploring themes such as discrimination, hyphenated identity, and the constraints imposed upon women and their voices. Importantly, these works are not solitary endeavors but tributes to the incredible resilience of women worldwide who steadfastly uphold their rights, even in the face of adversity.

Throughout my journey, I have consistently set ambitious goals for myself and remained steadfast in pursuing them. I hold a firm belief that anything is possible with unwavering self-belief and determination. As both an artist and educator, my mission is to inspire others to find their own voices and share their unique stories, regardless of the obstacles they may encounter. I aspire to contribute to a world where creativity and self-expression are treasured, serving as a bridge between diverse backgrounds through the universal language of art.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
On the first day, I would introduce my friend to the charming city of Palo Alto, where I reside. We’d kick off our adventure with a visit to Stanford University, soaking in its beautiful campus and rich history. Then, we’d immerse ourselves in art and culture with stops at the Cantor Museum and Anderson Collection. For a delightful culinary journey, we’d savor lunch at Nola restaurant, indulge our sweet tooth at Marvel Cake, and culminate the day with a dinner and drink at Rose and Crown.

Our second day would be dedicated to exploring the iconic city of San Francisco. We’d begin with a visit to Golden Gate Park. The De Young Museum within the park would offer us a captivating artistic experience. Amidst our adventures, we’d refuel with lunch at Hook Fish Co.

The third day would be an artistic delight, with visits to SFMOMA and the Museum of Craft and Design in San Francisco.

Our fourth day would be a soothing beach day. We’d head to Half Moon Bay and unwind by the ocean. The Half Moon Bay Brewing Company would be our choice for a seaside meal, savoring the coastal flavors.

Day five would be dedicated to further artistic exploration. We’d visit exhibitions, including the New Museum in Los Gatos and ICA San Jose. In the evening, we’d embark on a culinary adventure with authentic Persian cuisine at Negeen Restaurant.

Our sixth day would take us back to San Francisco, with visits to the galleries at Minnesota Street Project. We’d also venture to the charming town of Sausalito, savoring the stunning bay views. Waypoint Pizza in Tiburon would be our chosen spot for a memorable meal.

For our final day, we’d choose to spend some quality time at home, allowing us to rest and reflect on the wonderful experiences and memories we’ve created throughout our week-long adventure.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to the individuals and groups who have played instrumental roles in my journey. First and foremost, my family deserves recognition for their unwavering support and belief in my artistic endeavors, serving as a driving force behind my creative pursuits. I am thankful for my friends, mentors, colleagues, and fellow artists, whose insights and camaraderie have enriched my artistic journey. The Bay Area art community, with its vibrant and diverse environment, has offered invaluable opportunities for my growth and collaboration. My current success and position are the result of the collective efforts, support, mentorship, love, and encouragement of these wonderful individuals, groups, and communities. I am deeply grateful for each of them, as they have all played vital roles in my story and artistic evolution.

Website: https://www.nasimmoghadam.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moghadam_nasim/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nasim-moghadam-50570a57/

Image Credits
Photos by Ala Mohseni and James Ken Butler