"The narrative of Iran's past isn't solely penned, but artistically crafted via Nafir's act of resilience"
Nafir, a renowned street artist hailing from Tehran, Iran, is preparing for an exhibition in Berlin titled 'Never ending fight'. This exhibition, running from 28.09 - 10.11.24 at Galerie Grolman, promises to showcase Nafir's unique blend of contemporary urban art and the rich historical craftsmanship of Iran.
Born and raised in Tehran, Nafir's artistic journey is deeply rooted in their cultural heritage. Their focus on the female form in their art is inspired by their mother, while the traditional part of their work is influenced by their father, who was a carpet seller and expert in patterns. This synthesis creates a dialogue between contemporary urban art and the rich historical craftsmanship of Iran.
Nafir's artwork often features fierce, stoic portraits of women, symbolically reflecting the tension and beauty of their Iranian roots alongside modern life. The traditional Persian carpets and ceramics used in their art are not just decorative elements, but symbolic representations of cultural identity, migration, and memory.
The carpet for each piece is ordered from Iran and handmade, adding an authentic touch to Nafir's work. Nafir does not consider themselves strictly a street artist, but appreciates the direct interaction with people it offers.
In 2016, Nafir started working with carpets and ceramics, integrating these elements into their street art. The name Nafir comes from a Persian poem, and the word itself means "scream". Nafir's art aims to pause people for a moment, give them space to feel and think, and help them become a better version of themselves.
Currently, Nafir is working on a large piece for STRAAT Museum in Amsterdam. The size of this piece is 350 by 480 centimetres. Details about the exhibition can be found on Nafir's website and Instagram.
Nafir's art is not just for sale and owning, but for everyone to see and feel. Their goal is for their art to exist between various textures and cultures, bridging the gap between the past and the present, tradition and modernity. For more detailed, up-to-date, or authoritative information on Nafir’s artistic background and inspiration, it would be ideal to consult interviews, artist statements, or exhibition catalogues specifically about them.
Nafir's upcoming exhibition in Berlin, 'Never ending fight', combines their lifestyle of blending contemporary urban art with the historical craftsmanship of Iran, offering a travel experience for cultural enthusiasts. Their work, using traditional Persian carpets and ceramics, encourages personal growth and self-development, promoting a dialogue between historical roots and modern life, education-and-self-development, and personal-growth.
