Meet Kiana Honarmand | Interdisciplinary artist

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

Hi Kiana, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Growing up, I had little access to art and art education. Galleries and museums were rare visits for me, and my understanding of visual arts remained quite limited. It was during high school that I found a deep connection to the world of art when I started playing music, but even then, I was on the path to pursue math and engineering. In Iran, we were required to select our fields of study prior to taking the university entrance exam. The year I was set to take the exam, I decided to follow a more creative path and change my field. I acquired and studied art school books, and then went on to complete the arts university entrance exam.

At first, I started college to study music. However, after a semester, I changed my major to photography. Photography offered me a unique form of self-expression and changed the way I perceived the world. I was captivated by the artistic freedom it provided and its capacity to delve into profound and meaningful perspectives. Later on in graduate school, I embraced an interdisciplinary approach, which introduced me to various materials and mediums. During this time, I fell in love with the process of physically creating images and objects.

Art has given me the liberty to express emotions and ideas beyond the constraints of language, facilitating connections with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds through our shared human experiences. Art provides a safe space, allowing me to analyze, process, and communicate the issues that have impacted my life and the lives of countless others. It enables me to share my unique journey while gaining insights into the perspectives and perceptions of others. Art has expanded my horizons, taking me to new places and introducing me to remarkable individuals. Through art, I have discovered the power of connection and the potential for positive change. In a world often lacking in human connection, art plays a pivotal role in uniting people.

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.
I’m an Iranian artist based in the Bay Area, California. My creative journey revolves around my cultural background, exploring themes related to women’s rights violations in Iran, and the perceptions of my SWANA (South West Asia North Africa) identity. As an interdisciplinary artist, I leverage various materials and mediums, tailoring them to the concept behind each project. My toolkit includes photography, mixed media, video, sculpture, and installation, all aimed at creating immersive spaces that foster storytelling and connection.

Having spent my formative years in Iran and later moving to the United States for my MFA, I’ve navigated unique challenges. Growing up as a woman in Iran meant confronting systemic oppression and gender apartheid from a young age. Relocating to the US offered me fresh insights into how my Iranian and SWANA identity was perceived in my new home. These experiences have significantly influenced my studio practice.
My undergraduate photography studies were deeply traditional, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of the medium. However, my graduate school experience was transformative, exposing me to interdisciplinary approaches and various materials and mediums. This diversity has fundamentally changed my approach to art. I’m fascinated by the distinct meanings and histories inherent to each material and medium. Whether working with a still image, a sculpture, or a time-based medium like video, I appreciate the unique qualities of each. Yet, my true passion lies in employing different materials and mediums to construct immersive installations. Large-scale installations create entirely new experiences for viewers, inviting them to walk inside the art and transition from observers to active participants.

My curiosity to explore different mediums and materials continually leads me into uncharted territories, motivating me to learn new skills. This process is both exhilarating and challenging, as I embrace the opportunity to delve into new materials and techniques. One of my favorite mediums is the interplay of light and shadows. I’ve explored this through several projects, including a large-scale sculpture that casts shadows, effectively claiming the space it occupies. Despite the minimal physical space they occupy, light and shadows have the power to dominate entire environments, and anyone passing through becomes an integral part of the piece.

Through my art, I aspire to bridge gaps, foster understanding, and inspire positive change in a world that often feels divided. I’m deeply proud of the journey that has brought me to this point, and I’m excited to continue on this path of creativity and connection.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The Bay Area offers a plethora of fantastic destinations. One of my personal favorites for entertaining visitors is Half Moon Bay. I’m drawn to the ocean, the picturesque coastal trail, and the mesmerizing sight of waves meeting the rugged shoreline.

I enjoy the picturesque drives to the wineries in the Santa Cruz mountains, exploring the Redwood forests, and hiking in the hills with stunning views of the Peninsula.

Exploring the local culinary scene, there are two spots that hold a special place in my heart. Yeganeh Bakery is renowned for its mouthwatering Sangak bread, and Haleh Pastry is a true haven for savoring exquisite Persian pastries, making them the top recommendations on my list.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with many talented artists throughout my career, and each one has made a lasting impression, contributing significantly to my artistic growth. Building a network of fellow artists has been invaluable, providing me with a wealth of knowledge and a continuous source of inspiration. I’m immensely grateful for my community and mentors who have played pivotal roles in my creative journey. During my time at Penn State University, I had the fortune of being a part of an inspiring community of peers and mentors who helped shape my early career. I’d also like to express my gratitude to Root Division, a non-profit arts organization in San Francisco, for providing me with a studio space and a supportive community when I relocated to the Bay Area in 2019. Today, I’m proud to be a part of the vibrant artist community at the Cubberley Artist Studio Program in Palo Alto, where I continue to grow as an artist. These communities have been instrumental in nurturing my artistic journey, and I look forward to the future collaborations and inspirations that lie ahead.

Website: https://www.kianahonarmand.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kianahonarmand/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiana-honarmand-554a59273/

Image Credits
Kiana Honarmand, Angelica Turner, VisArts Galleries